If you have a shady spot in your garden, then you’ll know the difficulty of finding plants that both look great and thrive in this area. While most gardeners use this space for sheds, compost bins or as a storage space, we believe that the shady parts of your garden can become dramatic and exciting with the right choice of plants.
To prove it to you, in this article we’ll show you our top 10 favourite shade loving plants that can lift the shady spots in your cottage garden.
Contents
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas bring voluminous and colourful blooms to your garden, thriving in full sun or partial shade. We’ve planted 2 white hydrangeas next to a mirror in one of the shady spots of our cottage garden and they’re absolutely thriving. Their vibrant and exciting blooms have become a focal point, with many of our friends and family singling them out as firm favourites in the bed.
To keep them growing well, hydrangeas need rich, well-drained soil and want to be kept well watered.
Clematis
Clematis vines offer a stunning display of flowers in various colours and shapes, making them perfect for adding some life to a shady corner of your garden. Flowering in early and late summer, these plants provide months of colour and interest.
With many varieties having evolved growing under tree canopies, clematis are well adapted to surviving in low-light borders. Like for a shady balcony, we particularly recommend Clematis Montana and Clematis Macropetala for the shady spots in your space.
Begonias
Begonias are reliable bloomers with intricate flowers that add pops of colour to your shady garden beds from early summer until the first frost. Begonias prefer well-drained soil and regular watering to keep them looking healthy, especially during dry periods.
Hellebore
We love hellebores because they flower from December until April in the UK, giving you the first hint of colour for the year. Their evergreen foliage gives year-round interest and privacy, making them excellent for underplanting trees and other shrubs.
Hellebores thrive in dappled shade and are perfect for shady woodland gardens or in shady spots where they have something to climb on. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions once they’ve established, making them great if you don’t want to have to continually look after your plants.
Heucheras
Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are must-haves for shady cottage gardens due to their colourful foliage that lasts year-round. They provide excellent for ground cover, filling spaces between other plants, and adding an interesting texture and colour which makes them stand out in any shady spot.
We’ve planted 2 heucheras in terrible soil under a shady tree in our cottage garden this year and they’re both thriving. Their striking red colour always catches our eyes and breaks up the sea of green from the rest of our border.
Brunnera
Brunneras, known for their heart-shaped leaves and delicate forget-me-not-like flowers, are another great addition to the shady spots in your garden. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade making them the perfect addition to your space if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your shady borders.
Ferns
Ferns are classic choices for shady areas, adding greenery and interesting texture to any shady part of your garden. They’re very easy to look after, just needing to be well-watered and occasionally pruned to remove dead fronds.
Bleeding Hearts
I love bleeding hearts for their delicate, heart-shaped flowers that add a touch of romance to your garden. Their unique appearance make them an easy centrepiece of any shady spot in your garden. Bleeding hearts thrive in shady borders, preferring moist, well-drained soil.
Bulbous Lilies
Bulbous lilies bring bold shapes and colours to shady garden spots with their stunning flowers, making them ideal for your garden. They’re often available at supermarkets in spring, making them a cost-effective way to add some colour to your spcae.
After flowering, cut off the spent blooms to direct the plant’s energy back into the bulb so that you get an even better display next year. If you’re interested in adding more bulbs to your garden, take a look at our spring bulb and summer bulb recommendations.
Caladiums
Known for their exotic foliage and vibrant colours , caladiums are known for bringing a tropical feel to shady parts of your garden. Caladiums are quick-growing plants, meaning that you can plant the tubers in early spring and see beautiful leaves emerge by the summer.
Conclusion
By incorporating these shade-loving plants into your space, you can create a vibrant and colourful country cottage garden border that thrives throughout the year.
If any patch of your garden is struggling with a slug or snail problem, take a look at our slug and snail-proof plants. Alternatively, you can learn more about how to choose the best rose for your space.
