What are the best plants for shade in the UK?
If you find that your garden has a lot of shade, finding the right type of plants that will thrive can be a challenge. But with our guidance you can create a thriving garden that will flourish in the shade.
There are plenty of options out there, with enough choice to suit different preference and styles, below we explain the best shade loving plants for a shady and low maintenance garden.
Evergreen plants for shade
These evergreen plants provide year-round greenery in the shadiest of gardens, with minimal maintenance:
Fatsia japonica – With its large, glossy leaves, this plant thrives in deep shade and adds an exotic feel to any garden.
Sarcococca (Sweet Box) – A compact shrub with fragrant winter flowers, perfect for shaded borders.
Mahonia – Produces bright yellow flowers in winter and is well-suited to shade.
Ivy (Hedera helix) – A versatile, shade-tolerant climber that works well for ground cover or walls.
Flowering Plants for Shade
You can opt for more colourful plants that will add a touch of vibrance to brighten up shady spots. Here are our top picks:
Hellebores (Christmas Rose) – One of the best flowering plants for shade, blooming from winter to early spring.
Foxgloves (Digitalis) – These tall, elegant flowers thrive in partial shade and attract pollinators.
Astilbes – Their feathery plumes bring a splash of colour to damp, shaded areas.
Hydrangeas – A popular choice for UK gardens, they produce stunning blooms even in shade.
Climbing Plants for Shade
Climbing plants are a great way to cover fences, walls and trellises that lurk in the darker corners of gardens. Some of the best choices include:
Clematis (varieties like Clematis alpina or Clematis montana) – These varieties do well in partial shade and produce an abundance of flowers.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) – A fragrant climber that thrives in shaded areas.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – Provides stunning autumn foliage and grows well in shade.
House Plants for Shade
We all have those shady spots indoors that could use a little brightness of colour. Some of the best plants include:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – An easy-care plant that tolerates low light and improves indoor air quality.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – A popular house plant for shade that also produces elegant white flowers.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – True to its name, this hardy plant thrives in low-light conditions.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) – A lush, shade-loving plant that enjoys humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms.
Every garden and household have those shady spots where the sun never reaches, but there are plants available that will thrive in those areas for years to come.