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plants for part shade/ full shade

What plants are good for a garden area that gets morning sun but then a lot of shade rest of day

It is for a north facing front garden

would like medium plants maybe with flowers or not with spring and winter interest

are grasses suitable as well

anyone got any clues?

Hampshire Gardener

Posts

  • marshmellomarshmello Posts: 683

    I use this site a lot for its extensive list of shade loving plants.

    http://www.letsgogardening.co.uk/Shade_Loving_Plants.htm

     

  • jo4eyesjo4eyes Posts: 2,058

    Where to start?

    Spring bulbs - anaemones, chinodoxa, species crocus, smaller daffs, bluebells, muscari, erythroniums, frittillary- if moist enough.

    Plants - heucheras, japanese anemones, hardy geraniums- lots to chose from, Vinca minor, Solomons seal, epimediums- if dry shade, ajugas for ground cover, yes various ivies, lamiums.

    Grasses - I've got an evergreen yellow grass, a carex I think, growing really well in a dry shade similar situation.

    It does depend on why it's shade/what's causing it. Under deciduous trees lots of the spring bulbs pop up, flower then die back as the tree canopy above closes up. The soil beneath trees is invariably dry too, because of the tree's roots, so you need to plant in 'pockets' to get things established.

    Fences/house walls however are permanent so the shade is almost 'deeper'. Usually just as dry, because of the rain shadow.

    Hope some of these suggestions help. J.

  • jo4eyesjo4eyes Posts: 2,058

    How could I forget Hellebores- some bigger than others, in flower now.

    Also Euphorbia amygdaoides-Robbiae, yes can be invasive, but copes very well in dry shade & easily pulled up when nec.

    Hardy fuschias too will cope, some obviously taller than others. J.

  • WintersongWintersong Posts: 2,436

    Brilliant suggestions from jo4eyes, I would add hebes for evergreen interest, especially the small leaved varieties, ferns ofc any size and brilliant colours, Fatsia Japonica for architectural shape and to light up a North facing corner and Acers (some can stay reasonably small) if you want to contrast with the purple varieties especially. Acers will need a bit of decent soil, but will cope well once established.image

  • Earl20Earl20 Posts: 34

    Hi Gardengirl.. just came across this and thought it maybe of help:

     

    Plants that like shade: http://www.rattangardenfurniture.co.uk/blog/plants-for-shade-10-plants-for-part-and-full-shade-areas/

  • Mellie3Mellie3 Posts: 1

    Great info from all of you.Are any of these poisonous/harmful to cats???

    Are any of them good for bumblebees???

    I am a novice as you may guess!!

  • YviestevieYviestevie Posts: 7,066

    GG go to plantsforshade.co.uk  Ive just ordered a few plants from them. They have a great selection but I cant vouch for them yet as Ive not received them yet.

    Hi from Kingswinford in the West Midlands
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