Shade Gardening Made Easy: Plants for Every Shady Spot
Recently, there's been a surge in demand for plants that thrive in shade, and while it might seem straightforward, it actually requires some thoughtful planning. Here at Champion Plants, we've grouped our plants to simplify your selection process for these sometimes challenging garden areas under our Plants for Shade page.
Dry Shade Challenges
Dry shade can be one of the hardest spots to plant. This is typically found under or near hedges and large trees where even grass might struggle. But don't despair; with the right choices, you can transform these spaces.
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Key Plants for Dry Shade:
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Ferns: Hardy and versatile, they add texture and interest.
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Epimediums: good ground cover in dry shade areas and delicate flowers in early spring
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Moist Shade Solutions
Most gardens have spots where moisture and shade meet, often around boundaries with trees, shrubs, or buildings casting shadows. Here, the soil stays damp, which can be a challenge for many plants but an opportunity for others.
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Recommended for Moist Shade:
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Pulmonaria: Known for its spotted leaves and early spring blooms, excellent for pollinators.
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Pittosporum - Provides structure and evergreen foliage for year-round interest.
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Boggy Shade Beauties
If your garden has areas that are both shaded and boggy, selecting the right plants is crucial. Fortunately, there's a variety of bog plants that not only survive but also thrive, offering spectacular foliage and vibrant blooms.
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Top Picks for Boggy Shade:
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Hostas: Love the moisture and shade, providing lush foliage.
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Zantadeschia - Good plants for wet areas with grand flowers.
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Our Selection at Champion Plants
We pride ourselves on being a peat-free, family-run nursery in Somerset, UK, dedicated to offering top quality plants. Here are some of our in-stock options:
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Plants for Shade:
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Pulmonaria Blue Ensign - Great for early pollinators with its blue and pink flowers.
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Vinca - Adds a dash of colour with minimal care.
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Ferns - Architectural and shade-tolerant, they're a must for any shady garden.
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Dry Shade & Under-planting Hedges:
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Vinca minor Alba - Its ability to spread in dry shade is unmatched.
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Dryopteris affinis Cristata Angusta - A fern that's particularly resilient in dry conditions.
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Moist Shade:
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Astilbe - Reliable and hardy, with flowers in spring.
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Pittosporum - Provides structure and evergreen foliage for year-round interest.
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Boggy Shade:
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Hosta 'Blue Angel' - With its beautiful blue leaves, it's perfect for damp spots.
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Zantadeschia - Good plants for wet areas with grand flowers.
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Visit championplants.co.uk to explore our full range of plants for shade, all chosen to help you create a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden right from your doorstep. Whether you're looking to enhance dry, moist, or boggy areas, we have the plants to meet your needs.