If your garden never seems to catch the sun then don’t worry – we’ve rounded up the most popular shade-loving plants that will flourish even in the worst of British summers
It’s no secret that the British sun is a fair-weather friend at best. Therefore, it can be a wise move to fill your garden with plants that thrive in shadier conditions.
So, where to start looking? It can be hard to know what plants will flourish in your garden and which ones won’t without resorting to trial and error. Fortunately, the popular homeware store B&Q has revealed a comprehensive list of the top plants that flourish in dimmer conditions. This means that even if your garden doesn’t catch much sun, or if the forecast is looking miserable, you don’t have to worry about them dying.
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Fuschia
There are few flowers brighter or more radiant than the fuschia. Despite their hot pink petals, these plants don’t actually require much sunlight. Although, experts at B&Q warn not to place them in deep shade either, otherwise they may not bloom.
Foxgloves
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These majestic purple plants are closely associated with the Scottish highlands. However, no matter where you’re based in the UK, they can make a great addition to your garden – particularly as they require minimal sunlight to grow.
Lobelia
Known for their striking blue and violet hue and small, delicate petals, lobelias only need partial sunlight to grow. Make sure their soil is kept damp year-round, however, otherwise they risk drying out.
Spotted laurel
Also known as the Acuba japonica, this glossy green plant makes an ornamental addition to any garden. What’s better is they don’t necessarily need much sunlight to grow. B&Q write: “You can plant Aucuba at any time of the year, and it can be planted in sun, partial shade, or full shade depending on the variety.”
Ferns
These broad leafy plants are well known for their distinctive green foliage and are closely associated with woodlands. They grow best in damp, shady conditions – although, it is noted they require a small amount of dappled sunlight to thrive.
Lady’s mantle
These plants make a fantastic addition to any garden as they can last many years. With their scalloped leaves and small lime-green flowers, they are also gorgeous to look at. It prefers locations with partial sunlight, as full sunlight can damage its delicate leaves.
Astilbe
Also called a false goat’s beard (due to their beard shape) these feathery plants have an almost magical look. In order to make the most of them, it’s advisable to grow them in clusters. What’s more, they can thrive in full shade, meaning you don’t have to worry about the sun at all.
Japanese holly
With their sturdy evergreen leaves conditions, these hollies can add structure and elegance to your garden while not requiring much sunlight. For those with an artistic streak, they’re also well suited for topiary work and can be transformed into shapes of your choosing.
Hostas
Otherwise known as plantain lilies, hostas are known for their shiny bright green leaves and distinctive creamy outer rim. Equally, they can come in other coloured patterns, making them highly versatile. Even better, these gorgeous ornamental plants that are well suited to the damp, cloudy British weather.
Aquilegia
These are another flower that can last many years. Ranging in colour from pale blue to pink to violet, their bell-shaped petals make a beautiful addition to any garden. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re a hardy plant that can grow in little sunlight.
Paperplant
This shrub has broad, fingered leaves and glossy green hue. With its distinctive shape it can add a unique, tropical look to your garden. Even better, it’s highly shade-tolerant, meaning it can thrive in the unpredictable British summer.
Coral bells
Less commonly known as heuchera, coral bells are often found in a distinct deep purple colour and they make great foliage-fillers. They grow best in partial or dappled sunlight. They prefer rich, well-drained soil but can also survive on rockier and clay soil types too.