We hear a lot about plants that need full sun, but what about those that don’t like to bask in the glory. The unsung heroes of the garden, who keep the shaded corners of our garden green and lush.
Herbaceous
Alchemilla Mollis – Alchemilla mollis, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a charming perennial herb that graces gardens with its unique foliage and delicate blossoms. Characterized by its soft, velvety, scalloped leaves that collect dewdrops like glistening jewels, this plant adds an ethereal quality to any landscape. In late spring and early summer, Alchemilla mollis produces clusters of tiny, chartreuse-yellow flowers held aloft on wiry stems. Its low-growing, mound-forming habit makes it an excellent ground cover, thriving in moist, well-drained soils. Beyond its ornamental appeal, folklore associates Lady’s Mantle with alchemical properties, lending a touch of mystique to this enchanting garden favourite.
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexandria’ – A clump-forming perennial valued for its large, heart-shaped silver foliage with delicate green veining that brightens shady areas throughout the growing season. In spring, sprays of small, sky-blue, forget-me-not-like flowers rise above the leaves, attracting early pollinators and adding delicate colour to borders or woodland gardens. Typically growing to about 50cm tall with a spread of around 1 metre and thriving in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Low-maintenance and ideal as ground cover or underplanting, it brings elegant texture and long-lasting interest to shade gardens.
Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Peach’ (Foxglove) – ‘Dalmatian Peach’ is a charming variety of foxglove with unique peach-coloured blooms. The tall spikes are adorned with tubular flowers that feature a soft, peachy hue with subtle speckles inside, creating a warm and inviting look. Perfect for adding vertical interest to borders, cottage gardens, or woodland areas. It thrives in partial shade and moist well-drained soil.
Ferns – Excellent for shade, and most species are naturally adapted to low‑light environments. Ferns evolved in forest understories, so they thrive where sunlight is filtered, indirect or minimal.
Hellebores (Lenten / Christmas Rose) – They grow best in partial or dappled shade, where they flower reliably and maintain healthy evergreen foliage. They can tolerate deeper shade, but flowering may be reduced.
Heuchera ‘Boysenberry’ – A vibrant evergreen perennial valued for its richly coloured foliage and reliable year-round interest. Its leaves emerge in deep purple to berry tones with a glossy sheen, creating strong contrast in borders, containers, and shaded planting schemes. In summer, it produces delicate sprays of small, bell-shaped white flowers on slender stems that rise above the foliage. Thrives in partial shade and moist but well-drained soil, bringing bold colour and texture throughout the seasons.
Shrubs
Aucuba japonica ‘Golden King’ – An evergreen shrub celebrated for its bold and variegated foliage, making it a standout in the garden. Commonly known as Spotted Laurel, this variety has large, glossy leaves adorned with vivid green centres surrounded by distinctive golden-yellow blotches. An eye catching and popular choice for shaded gardens. Height and Spread 2.5m. Male Variety. Grow in well drained or moist but well drained soil in full shade or partial shade. Will not tolerate waterlogged soils.
Camellias – Will thrive in partial or dappled shade, and many varieties also grow well in full shade. They are woodland plants in their native habitat, so they are adapted to filtered light and protection from harsh sun. They have evolved in woodlands, naturally receiving dappled light. Camellias don’t need regular pruning, if you need to prune do so in March. Feed in early spring with an ericaceous fertiliser to get the best flowering results.
Hydrangeas – The quickest way to elevate your garden and add timeless style; Hydrangeas. They are one of the most versatile, generous and garden‑transforming shrubs you can grow. They offer huge blooms and seasonal interest (as long as you hold off pruning until late February / early March). With many varieties and sizes available there is something for everyone. Hydrangeas are hardy and can be grown outdoors wherever the winter temperature stays roughly above -15ºC (5ºF). They enjoy moist, well-drained soil and do best with shelter from the hot afternoon sun. This makes them ideal choices for shady gardens, and their dramatic round flowerheads look stunning in mid and late summer. Water hydrangeas regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch with compost or other organic material in spring or autumn.
Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’ – A compact, evergreen shrub known for its graceful, soft-textured foliage and year-round appeal. Unlike traditional Mahonia’s, it features delicate, fern-like leaves that are bright green, offering a less spiky appearance. In late summer to early autumn, it produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers with a sweet fragrance, followed by blue-black berries in winter. Height and Spread 1.5m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full shade or partial shade. Will tolerate full sun, provided the soil doesn’t dry out.
Prunus laurocerasus (Laurel) – The foliage of this Laurel is seemly much like the common Cherry Laurel however Novitas’ leaves are more slender and elongated. Flowers in spring turn to large deep dark purple berries in autumn, which is most attractive to wildlife. With these large dark green leaves and evergreen nature, it works very well as hedging, a screening plant or equally at home as a shaped specimen plant.
This drought resistant plant will grow in any moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in sun or partial shade but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils. Mature Height: 4–8m.
Rhododendron – Most rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil and light, dappled shade. The best time to plant them is autumn or spring. They need very little pruning, usually just removing dead wood and deadheading spent flowers. Many varieties are hardy enough to handle cold weather, so they grow well in a wide range of climates. Rhododendrons love moisture. Even in acidic soil, they can struggle in dry regions or places with low rainfall. Whenever possible, water them with rainwater, as tap water, especially in hard‑water areas, contains calcium that can reduce soil acidity.
Sambucus nigra f por. Black Lace (‘Eva’) – Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is a deciduous shrub prized for its finely cut, deep purple foliage and elegant habit. In early summer, it produces large, flat heads of soft pink flowers, which contrast beautifully with the dark leaves and are attractive to pollinators. These are followed by glossy black berries in autumn. Ideal for borders, hedging or as a specimen plant, it grows in full sun, partial shade or full shade and is tolerant of most soil types. Height and Spread 4m.
Sarcococca confusa – An evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and delightful winter fragrance. This low-maintenance plant produces small, creamy-white, highly scented flowers from late winter to early spring, attracting pollinators. The blooms are followed by shiny black berries, adding seasonal interest. An excellent choice for shady borders, woodland gardens, or containers. Its dense, bushy growth also makes it ideal for low hedging. Height and Spread 1.5m. Grow in moist but well drained soil in a sheltered position. Full or partial shade.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ – An evergreen shrub known for its striking red flower buds that appear in late winter, creating a colourful display before blooming into fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring. As a male variety, it can be used to pollinate a female Skimmia to produce berries. Its dense, compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or containers. Height and Spread 1.5m. Grow in moist but well drained acidic soil in a sheltered position. Full or partial shade.
Trees
Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) – Grows best in partial shade, where it gets gentle morning light and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry) – Does well in light to moderate shade. Commonly known as Juneberry, is a deciduous shrub, multistem or small tree celebrated for its ornamental value. In spring, it showcases profuse clusters of delicate white flowers, followed by small, edible purple-black berries in early summer. The foliage is characterized by elliptical leaves that are bonze tinged when young and then turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. With a compact and upright habit, is favoured for providing visual interest throughout the seasons and attracting wildlife with its blossoms and fruits. Height 5-7m.
Dicksonia antarctica (Tree Fern) – This much loved tree fern is a tall, slender, evergreen tree fern native to New Zealand and Australia. It has a rosette of arching fronds that can reach up to 3 metres in length. The trunk is covered in matted aerial roots which like to be kept damp and can reach a height of 3m (in ideal conditions). It prefers full to partial shade and shelter so would work well with woodland plants or exotic planting schemes. If looked after correctly, with plenty of water and cold and wind management, they can last for decades increasing in grandeur every year!
Ilex aquifolium (Holly) – Thrives in shade, even quite dense and is good for wildlife.
Sorbus ulleungensis ‘Olympic Flame’ (Rowan) – Also known as ‘Dodong’ this Rowan originates from Japan. Selected from seed by a Swedish botanist in 1976 for its exotic look, it is now firm a favourite in Europe. Its glossy green foliage is vibrant throughout the growing season and turns to an impressive range of flame oranges and reds in autumn. Dark orange berries are produced from clusters of white spring flowers by late summer. Its young trunk is punctuated by lenticels and it thrives on most free draining soils. It does not tolerate excessive reflective heat and light from hard areas surrounding it. This tree is good for bees and other wildlife. Mature height: 5-8m
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