Understanding Garden Shade

Before you start planting your garden, it’s important to understand the type of shade you have. This will help you choose the right plants that will thrive in your conditions.

There are three main types of garden shade:

• Deep shade: This type of shade is found under evergreen trees, on the north side of walls, or in the shadow of buildings. It tends to be cold and dry, so you’ll need to choose plants that can tolerate these conditions.
• Dappled shade: This type of shade is common under deciduous trees. It’s a patchwork of shade in the summer, but full sun from autumn to spring. This type of shade is ideal for woodland plants that flower in the spring sun before the trees come into leaf.
• Partial shade: Most gardens have areas that get sun for only part of the day – between three and six hours in summer – depending on their aspect. This type of shade is ideal for plants that can tolerate both sun and shade.

Aspect: The Direction Your Garden Faces

The aspect of your garden is the direction it faces – north, south, east, or west. This affects which areas get plenty of sun and which ones are in shadow for all or part of the day.

• South-facing gardens: These gardens get the most sun, so they’re ideal for heat-loving plants.
• North-facing gardens: These gardens get the least sun, so they’re best suited for shade-loving plants.
• West-facing gardens: These gardens get sun in the afternoon and evening, so they’re ideal for plants that can tolerate both sun and shade.
• East-facing gardens: These gardens get sun in the morning, so they’re ideal for plants that prefer morning sun and cool conditions.

Best Plants for Different Types of Garden Shade

Now that you know the type of shade you have in your garden, you can start choosing the right plants. Here are some suggestions:

Deep shade:

• Ferns
• Hostas
• Ivy
• Daphne
• Lily of the valley

Dappled shade:

• Anemones
• Primulas
• Woodland plants

Partial shade:

• Alchemilla
• Hardy geraniums
• Shade-loving shrubs
• Shade-loving flowers
• Shade-loving groundcovers

South-facing gardens:

• Heat-loving plants
• Sun-loving plants
• Mediterranean plants

North-facing gardens:

• Shade-loving plants
• Woodland plants
• Plants that flower early in the spring

West-facing gardens:

• Plants that can tolerate both sun and shade
• Camellias
• Magnolias
• Sedums
• Fuchsias

East-facing gardens:

• Plants that prefer morning sun and cool conditions
• White-flowered plants
• Plants that attract pollinating moths

Tips for Growing Plants in Shade

Here are a few tips for growing plants in shade:

• Choose the right plants for the amount of shade you have.
• Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
• Be patient! It may take some time for your plants to adjust to growing in shade.

With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in even the shadiest of spaces.