Are you struggling to find plants that can thrive in your shaded garden? Injecting life into your outdoor space while being faced with the difficult obstacle of shaded areas can seem daunting, if not impossible. Green-fingered enthusiasts know all too well that many plants require sunlight to bloom successfully, but if your backyard doesn't get much light, we’ve got you covered.
Related: The best plants for hanging baskets to help elevate your garden
Many gardens are presented with different types of shade, this can be light, partial or dappled shade depending on the positioning of your garden. Typically, north or east-facing gardens can be subject to cooler temperatures and more shade throughout the year, while south-facing gardens reap in all the sunlight. However, having a shaded garden doesn’t have to hinder your chances of immersing your space with an array of gorgeous plants.
Many plants can still thrive despite a lack of sun exposure resulting in a beautiful and vibrant landscape even in the shade. There are a variety of plants out there including hydrangeas and snowdrops that can happily live in shady spots. As well as types of shade, gardeners must also consider whether their garden has dry or damp shade (whether the degree of shade is resulting in dry or moist soil).
We will take through our guide to brightening up your space even in the most shaded of conditions.
The best plants for shade
Photo: AmazonAre you looking for a plant that needs minimal attention? The Japanese Tassel Fern can tolerate part or full shade and requires little maintenance. If thatu2019s not enough, this plant is also drought tolerant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Easy to look after | • Low growing |
| • Adaptable | |
| • Grows in full shade |
Photo: AmazonIf you're on the hunt for a plant that blooms all year round, these shrubs would make the perfect addition to your garden. They are easy to grow and arrive with a selection of five different variations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Easy to look after | • Small plants |
| • Sturdy | |
| • Good value |
Photo: AmazonWhen it comes to shade plants, the Pieris Forest Flame is sure to add life to your garden. If you havenu2019t already guessed, this plant is known for its flame-red leaves, which interestingly change to pink and cream and finally green.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Change colour | • Slow growing |
| • Great price |
Photo: Thompson Morganwww.thompson-morgan.com
When it comes to shrubs changing with the seasons, this one will add a lot of excitement to your garden. It blooms in May, with pink and white flowers making for a very pretty spring edition to your green space. When autumn comes, you will see red berries develop and may even spot new visitors in your garden as these berries attract birds. As winter approaches, the plant will reveal warm orange and red leaves.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Change colour | • Not suitable for full shade |
| • Survives low temperature | |
| • Little maintenance |
Photo: Thompson Morganwww.thompson-morgan.com
The Mahonia plant will brighten up any shaded space thanks to its yellow flowers. Be prepared as your garden will attract wildlife because the flowers quickly change into berries - these are favoured by birds during winter. Plus, this plant thrives during the colder months right through until spring.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Spine free | • Not suitable for summer |
| • Can tolerate low temperatures |
Photo: Gardening Expresswww.gardeningexpress.co.uk
Add even more warmth to your garden in the later summer months with Crocosmia plants. This plant presents orange, yellow and red tones that would complement any green space. The Crocosmia thrives in partial shade.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Easy to maintain | • Only flowers in late summer |
| • Great colours |
Photo: RHSwww.rhsplants.co.uk
If youu2019re on the hunt for the perfect plant to fill empty spaces in your garden, the Japanese Spurge will not disappoint. Better still, this plant will begin to bloom during early summer to reveal little white flowers that look beautiful up against its green leaves.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good growth rate | • Short Flowering Period |
| • Survives in full shade |
Photo: Gardening Expresswww.gardeningexpress.co.uk
This shade plant is one that you will love. Known as the Dicentra spectabilis Valentine, this plant grows to reveal beautiful, red heart-shaped flowers with a white centre.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Unusual | • Small in height |
| • Dappled Shade |
Photo: RHSwww.rhsplants.co.uk
Looking for a colourful ground cover plant? Dubbed Jack Frost, and we donu2019t mean the film, this plant will add a real pop of colour to your garden with its bright blue flowers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Thrives in shade | • Small in height |
| • Good growth rate | • Will not survive in autumn |
Photo: RHSwww.rhsplants.co.uk
When it comes to shade plants, geranium is a great pick. This plant has a vibrant lavender colour, which will make for a very aesthetically pleasing display in your garden.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Fast Growth | • Requires well drained soil |
| • Thrives through summer months | • Won’t survive in autumn |
| • Great for ground cover |
Photo: Thompson Morganwww.thompson-morgan.com
Hydrangeas are a perfect choice when it comes to adding colour to your shady space. This striking multi-toned plant thrives in semi or dappled shade areas.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Colour changing | • Requires attention and maintenance |
| • Thrives in shady conditions |
Photo: You Gardenwww.yougarden.com
If a plant that thrives during most of the year is something you are looking for, ferns are a brilliant choice. Their green leaves will add character to any garden, plus this plant loves shady spots.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Easy to grow | • Needs to be watered regularly |
| • Evergreen |
What’s the difference between damp and dry shade?
You may hear the terms damp and dry shade when it comes to selecting the ideal shade plant. Damp shade refers to shaded sections of your garden with damper conditions. Many plants are suitable for these areas, including the Dicentra plant.
Places in your garden that have limited moisture are known as dry shade. Don’t worry, almost all gardens will have this. There are plenty of plants that can still thrive in these conditions, including Hydrangeas.
Which plants grow well under trees?
While trees add character to gardens, they can be tricky to work around when it comes to introducing new plants due to shade and a lack of moisture. The good news is many plants can grow well under tree canopies, including Cherry Laurel and Eve Price. Top tip: begin planting during autumn before the tree’s leaves grow again for spring.
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Tayo Andoh is a Storytelling Executive for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours, Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for DJing, beauty and spirituality.
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