Collection: Plants for Shade

There are all sorts of plants that grow well in partial or full shade, from foliage to flowering, low-growing to climbing, and everything in between. Hostas, heucheras and ferns are all perennials worth considering, while ivy, honeysuckle and certain clematis varieties are climbers that can tolerate shadier conditions. Even certain trees can grow nicely without much sun; these include acers, cornus (commonly known as dogwood) and hollies.

Some plants really don’t like the shade, needing lots and lots of sun to flourish. Mediterranean plants like lavender and rosemary like to bask in the light, likewise fig trees, citrus trees and grape vines. Fruit and vegetable plants also tend to need a spot in full sunshine to guarantee a good crop (at least six hours of direct sunlight per day).

If you see the term partial shade listed under a plant’s preferences, what you’re looking at is something that needs between three and six hours of sunlight per day. Full shade refers to plants that need between zero and three hours of sunlight every day.

Look to your woodland favourites for flowering perennials which don’t mind a bit of shade, as these are used to growing in dappled light conditions. Plants like hellebore, brunnera and astilbe all produce their flowers in more shaded positions, and what flowers they are! Other plants to consider include dicentra, pulmonaria and begonia. How do you care for plants in the shade?

One of the key things to remember when growing plants in shade or part shade is that, once established, they may need less watering than those plants in full sunshine. That’s because the amount of water evaporating from the soil surface is reduced, so your water goes further for plants in shade, so to speak, than it does with plants in the sun. Bog gardens also tend to go hand in hand with plants for shade, as damp areas are often also moist areas!

One of the key things to remember when growing plants in shade or part shade is that, once established, they may need less watering than those plants in full sunshine. That’s because the amount of water evaporating from the soil surface is reduced, so your water goes further for plants in shade, so to speak, than it does with plants in the sun. Bog gardens also tend to go hand in hand with plants for shade, as damp areas are often also moist areas!

The major garden design that suits plants for shade is undoubtedly the woodland planting scheme. Woodlands and forests, by their very nature, feature both partial and full shade. Besides this, you might also want to consider a Japanese-style garden, as these typically feature shade-tolerant plants, like ferns and acers.