A Selection of Our Favourite Plants for Shady Spaces

27th September 2024

We've all seen those tricky shady spots in the garden; the south side of a house or fence, underneath a tall tree, in the shade of a pergola. The shady areas that often leave us a little perplexed as to what to plant. Our garden centers are often full of showy plants that love the sunshine, but when it comes to our shy shade lovers, the selection remains somewhat reduced. The good news is, there are some great options out there, from florals to strappy plants, topicals to natives.

We've put together a selection of some of our favorite, go-to plants (though there are more for sure!). These plants are perfect for adding texture, color, and interest to shady areas in your garden. From the delicate flowers of Viola hederacea to the bold foliage of Philodendron Xanadu and the vibrant leaves of Heuchera, each offers unique benefits that can transform a shaded space into a lush, thriving oasis. Whether you're looking for ground cover, ornamental foliage, or seasonal flowers, these plants provide excellent options for enhancing your garden's shaded areas.

1. Viola hederacea (Australian Native Violet)

Benefits:

• Ground Cover: Spreads easily, forming a dense mat that covers the ground, perfect for filling in shady areas.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round greenery.
• Delicate Flowers: Produces small, purple and white flowers almost continuously throughout the year.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant once established.
• Versatile: Can be used in garden beds, under trees, or as a lawn alternative in shaded areas.

2. Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'

Benefits:

• Striking Flowers: Produces abundant lavender-purple flowers with dark stems, creating a stunning contrast.
• Attractive Foliage: Glossy, dark green leaves with purple undersides add color even when not in bloom.
• Compact Growth: Grows well in pots or garden beds, adding a pop of color in shaded areas.
• Long Blooming Season: Flowers profusely from late summer into fall.

3. Philodendron Xanadu

Benefits:

• Tropical Appeal: Large, deeply lobed leaves give a lush, tropical appearance to shady spaces.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to care for, with minimal watering needs once established.
• Compact Size: Ideal for smaller gardens or as an underplanting in larger landscapes.
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides constant visual appeal.

4. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Benefits:

• Colorful Foliage: Available in a wide range of leaf colors, from deep purples to bright lime greens, adding vibrant color to shady areas.
• Seasonal Interest: Produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, typically in late spring to early summer.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and can tolerate varying conditions.
• Versatile: Can be used in borders, as ground cover, or in containers.

5. Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty'

Benefits:

• Bold Foliage: Large, dark green leaves with deep purple undersides create dramatic foliage contrast.
• Bright Flowers: Produces spikes of bright yellow-orange flowers in late summer, adding a burst of color.
• Moisture Loving: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils, perfect for damp, shaded spots in the garden.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecosystem.

6. Blechnum 'Silver Lady' (Silver Lady Fern)

Benefits:

• Elegant Appearance: Features finely textured, silver-green fronds that add a soft, graceful look to shaded areas.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round foliage, maintaining its beauty through all seasons.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with good tolerance to varying moisture levels.
• Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens, containers, or as an underplanting in larger landscapes.

7. Dianella ‘Kentlyn’

Benefits:

• Attractive Foliage: Strappy, blue-green leaves provide texture and color to shady areas.
• Hardy and Resilient: Tolerates a range of conditions, including shade, drought, and poor soils.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little care and is long-lived, making it ideal for low-effort gardens.
• Seasonal Flowers and Berries: Produces small, star-shaped blue flowers followed by ornamental blue berries, adding seasonal interest.
• Versatile: Can be used as a ground cover, in borders, or as an accent plant in shaded garden beds.

Our designers specialise in urban gardens, terraced housing, balconies, and decks. If you are considering transforming your outdoor space, don't hesitate to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.