Choosing plants for shade is a minefield depending on the levels of shade - check our post for deciding on what type of shade you have.
Here are our top 5 recommendations
1.Vinca minor
Not to be confused with Vinca Major which is invasive. Perfect for ground cover for shady areas, especially dry shade. Easy to keep in check by cutting back regularly.
Blooming from March to October, cutting
back in May & August to prolong flowering
Variety: alba ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ has white flowers and glossy dark green leaves.
2. Digitalis
A fabulous cottage garden biennial for middle to back of a shaded border or woodland garden. Adding tall flowering spires much valued by bumblebees and other pollinating insects.
Blooming from May to July
Variety: purpurea is the pink variety and 'Alba' the white.
3. Euphorbia
Thrives in poor dry soil in shade, making it the perfect evergreen choice for growing under big trees. Be careful of the toxic sap.
Blooming from April to June
Variety: amygdaloides var. robbiae is an upright plant with spikes of lime green flowers in contrast with dark glossy foliage.
4. Brunnera macrophylla
Spring favourite with heart-shaped pale silver-grey foliage & blue forgetmenot flowers. Needs a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil,
Blooming from April and May
Variety: 'Jack Frost' has blue flowers or ‘Mister Morse’ for white flowers.
5. Tiarella
Perfect for ground cover for shady areas, especially under trees.
Blooming from May to July, deadhead to prolong flowering
Variety: Sugar & Spice' has white flowers and glossy leaves.
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