How to Plant and Care for Shade Loving Plants in UK Gardens
Planting in shade can feel daunting, but with the right approach, these cool corners can become the calmest, greenest parts of your garden. Here’s how to plant and care for shade loving plants so they thrive in UK conditions.
With thoughtful planting and simple seasonal care, shady areas become textured, calming places that look good year-round.
Understand Your Shade Type
Before planting, work out whether it’s:
- Light/dappled shade – a few hours of gentle sun
- Partial shade – morning or late sun, shade mid-day
- Deep shade – little or no direct sun
This affects which plants will succeed and how to space them.
Prepare the Soil Well
Shade often means competition from tree roots or compacted soil. Improve planting areas with:
- compost or well-rotted manure
- leaf mould (ideal for woodland-style planting)
- a slow-release organic feed
This helps roots establish even in low-light conditions.
Wet or Dry?
Planting in Dry Shade
Dry shade is common under trees and along fences. Choose tough, shade tolerant plants like hardy geraniums, euphorbia, epimedium and groundcover perennials.
After planting:
- mulch deeply
- water well for the first season
- repeat mulch every spring
Planting in Damp Shade
For cool, moist areas choose hostas, ferns, pulmonaria and astrantia. Add grit if drainage is poor and space plants slightly wider to allow airflow.
Container Planting for Shade
North-facing balconies or patios benefit from:
- heuchera
- small grasses
- mint, chives, parsley
- compact ferns
Use a peat-free compost with drainage and feed lightly through summer.
Long-Term Care
Long-Term Care
Shade loving plants still need:
- consistent moisture in their first year
- a spring mulch to improve soil
- light trimming to keep their shape
- occasional division every few years to keep borders fresh