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Plants in shade

I have a large viburnum bush in the corner of my very small north east facing garden. I have cut away the lower branches to form an arch shape and want to grow flowers underneath. Have added compost and top soil to the bed,so would like some ideas please as to what will grow. It gets Sun for part of the day.
Last edited: 17 April 2017 08:29:55
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How about a white theme to create a feeling of light? Geranium nodosum "Silverwood", Geranium macrorrhizum "Whiteness", white aquilegias, Dicentra spectabilis "alba", ferns, luzula nivea.
Thank you for replying..
I love the idea of a white themed bed, but would these plants survive in partial shade?l
they are shade plants,
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hi Snowy
They should do. Ferns especially will thrive in fairly deep shade. I have similar conditions in my shady London garden and grow Ger Macrorhizzum, aquilegias and a white dicentra and they are all very happy. May take a while to establish, but they are all perennials so although they made need a bit of care when first planted, once established they will come back better every year. You could also try Solomon's seal - this is flowering in my garden at the moment in a very shady spot - and pulmonarias. I find that P. Trevi Fountains in particular grows very happily in quite deep, dry shade. The flowers are mauve and blue, but I really grow it for its fantastic silvery spotted leaves. Once the flowers have gone over (around now) I cut the flower stalks off and the leaves grow to about 3 foot long. They really light up otherwise dark areas. Just make sure the soil is kept moist. I also have more recently been growing P. Sissinghurst, which has white flowers (if you want to stick to the white theme) and seems very happy in partial shade - I had to make sure it was well watered last year, but it seems to be thriving with very little attention now. There will be lots of other suggestions - it's surprising how many plants will do very well in shade.
Happy planting!
GG
Last edited: 17 April 2017 09:00:54
Long Acre plants specialise in plants for shade, including dry shade. Check them out!
Great suggestions above, you could also add hardy white Fuchsias, foxgloves. Sun for part of the day extends the list even further! Phlox Panciulata etc.
Last edited: 17 April 2017 10:59:23
Brunnera "Jack Frost" is excellent for brightening a shady area
Thank you all so much for your help. Have a great selection to choose from.
Hypericum is a good shade tolerant shrub too, beautiful yellow flowers all summer long.
Thanks Mark.