Having a shaded garden doesn’t mean you’re limited in your plant choices. In fact, many plants thrive in the cooler, sheltered conditions provided by shade. Whether your garden is shaded by trees, buildings, or fences, we have a wide selection of shade loving plants to bring life and colour to these areas. We share some of the top plants that love the shade and tips on how to care for them.

Hostas

Hostas are beloved for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in shady conditions. With a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, and colours, there’s a hosta variety to suit every garden. To care for hostas, plant them in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, and provide occasional fertiliser to promote healthy growth. Be mindful of slugs and snails, which can be attracted to hostas, and take steps to protect your plants if necessary.

Ferns

Ferns are classic shade-loving plants that add texture and movement to the garden. These elegant plants can be used to create a lush, woodland-inspired backdrop or to add a touch of greenery to shaded corners. Try planting ferns in drifts along pathways or under trees to create a sense of movement and rhythm in your garden. Consider mixing different fern species to create a diverse and visually interesting planting scheme. Ferns also look great against natural materials like rocks, logs, and moss.

Camellias

Camellias are renowned for their elegant beauty. These evergreen shrubs or small trees boast glossy, dark green foliage that provide a striking backdrop to their exquisite blooms. Camellia’s showy flowers come in an array of colours including white, pink, red, and even variegated hues. These blooms often possess a delicate fragrance, adding to their allure. They will thrive in acid soil, and prefer to be planted in ericaceous compost.

Acers

Acer trees make a splendid addition to any garden with their unparalleled aesthetic appeal and striking foliage. Offering vibrant hues in the spring and summer and a breathtaking display of autumnal colours. Acers are remarkably versatile, thriving in a variety of soil types and conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of garden settings. They are also relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once established.

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are cherished additions to any garden. Their vibrant blooms come in an array of colours ranging from soft pastels to bold tones, and its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest. Rhododendrons are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, making them an excellent choice for busy gardeners. Whether planted as focal points, hedging, or mass plantings, rhododendrons enrich the garden with their enduring beauty and resilience, making them an asset to any outdoor space.

Heuchera

Heuchera plants are an excellent addition to any garden, particularly for shady spots. Their stunning foliage comes in a wide array of colours, including shades of green, purple, bronze, and red, adding vibrant splashes of colour to shaded areas where flowering plants may struggle. Their colourful leaves often feature intricate patterns and textures, providing year-round interest and enhancing the visual appeal of the garden even when not in bloom.

Heuchera plants are relatively low-maintenance and adaptable, making them suitable for a variety of garden conditions. They thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for shaded spots beneath trees or along north-facing borders where many other plants struggle to grow.

Shade doesn’t have to be a limitation in your garden. By choosing the right plants and providing them with the care they need, you can create a lush and beautiful oasis in even the shadiest corners of your outdoor space. Whether you opt for the vibrant foliage of hostas, the delicate fronds of ferns, or the elegant blooms of camellias, there’s a shade-loving plant to suit every taste and style. So embrace the shade and get ready to watch your garden thrive!

Top Plants for Shady Gardens and How to Care for Them