Shade Planting

If you have a small city garden in the UK, you may have an issue with shade and think that planting is not an option. However, there are plenty of beautiful and interesting plants that will thrive in the shade. In this blog post, we will explore some shade-loving plants that are perfect for small city gardens in the UK.

Before we dive into specific plants, it’s important to understand the different types of shade. Full shade occurs in areas that receive less than two hours of direct sunlight per day, such as under a dense tree canopy. Partial shade occurs in areas that receive two to four hours of direct sunlight per day, such as under a tree with a more open canopy or against a north-facing wall. Understanding the type of shade in your garden will help you choose the right plants.

1. Hostas: Hostas are a classic shade-loving plant that come in a variety of sizes and colours. They are perfect for planting in pots or in shady borders, and their beautiful foliage will add interest to any garden. Hostas prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
2. Ferns: Ferns are another classic shade-loving plant that are perfect for small city gardens in the UK. They come in a variety of sizes and textures, from delicate and lacy to bold and sculptural. Ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
3. Heucheras: Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a great choice for adding colour to a shady garden. They come in a range of colours, from deep purples to bright greens, and their foliage is often variegated. Heucheras prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
4. Astilbes: Astilbes are a stunning shade-loving plant that produce beautiful plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
5. Hellebores: Hellebores, also known as Christmas roses, are a great choice for adding interest to a shady garden in the winter months. They produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and green. Hellebores prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
6. Bleeding hearts: Bleeding hearts are a classic shade-loving plant that produce delicate heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
7. Brunnera: Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss, is a great choice for adding texture to a shady garden. It produces beautiful sprays of blue or white flowers in the spring, and its foliage is often variegated. Brunnera prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

In conclusion, shade planting is a great way to add interest and beauty to a small city garden in the UK. There are plenty of shade-loving plants to choose from and by choosing the right plants for your garden’s specific shade conditions, you can create a beautiful and thriving shade garden