Partial Shade
Partial shade occurs when areas are shaded for part of the day, such as under buildings, fences, or trees. This type of shade is relatively easy to manage, and many plants will thrive in these conditions.
Ideal Plants: Alchemilla, Aquilegia, Azaleas, Acanthus, Ajuga, Aucuba, Acer (some), Astilbe, Brunnera, Begonia, Campanula, Camellia, Cyclamen, Helleborus, Hosta, Hydrangea, Impatiens, Lobelia, Mahonia, Rhododendrons, Violas, and many more.
Dappled or Light Shade
This type of shade is created by objects such as large trees with small leaves, allowing only filtered sunlight to pass through. It’s a gentle, softer shade that still provides some light for plants to thrive.
Ideal Plants: Ajuga, Asplenium (ferns), Acanthus, Buxus, Brunnera, Camellia, Cornus, Cyclamen, Daphne, Fatsia, Geranium, Hydrangea, Hosta, Hemerocallis, Mahonia, Primula, Pulmonaria, Rhododendron, Solomon’s Seal, Trillium, and more.
Full or Permanent Shade
Full shade occurs in areas shaded all day, such as on the south side of buildings or beneath a dense canopy of trees. These conditions are more restrictive, and only certain plants can tolerate the low light levels.
Ideal Plants: Aucuba, Ajuga, Acanthus mollis, Buxus, Choisya, Fatsia, Gunnera, Hedra, Hypericum, Ilex, Lonicera, Mahonia, Pachysandra, Prunus, Taxus, Viburnum, Vinca, Asplenium (ferns), Convallaria, Euphorbia, Iris, Saxifraga.
Other Tips for Shady Gardens:
Dry Shady Areas: If your shaded area is dry, improve moisture retention by mixing in good-quality compost before planting. Mulch around plants to help maintain moisture levels.
Lighten Full Shade: To brighten full shade areas, especially behind houses, try planting in light-coloured pots or painting the surrounding area a lighter colour.
Shady Garden Solutions
You can create a vibrant and thriving shady garden with the right selection of plants. Whether you have partial, dappled, or full shade, a wide range of perennials, shrubs, and foliage plants will flourish in the shade. Oderings offers a great variety of plants that are perfect for these conditions, allowing you to build a beautiful, shaded oasis in your garden.
