Transform gloomy spots with our must-have plant picks that bring brightness to a display
After a cold, wet spring, we’re all relishing the opportunity to bask in the warmth of early summer sunshine. Yet, not all gardens are blessed with the luxury of brilliant sunlight. North-facing plots are notorious for tricky full shade, while overhanging trees can cast dappled shade on plants beneath. Plus, fences and walls conspire to create areas of semi-shade too. There are, however, plenty of plants that will work their magic in low light conditions, whether soil conditions are dry or damp, and these are some of the best.
Diamonds for deep shade
Wavy by name, wavy by nature, with frilly, deeply contorted leaves, this compact evergreen perennial is a musthave horticultural oddity. Not growing too tall, it’s ideal for the front of moist, shady borders or growing in pots, with yellow, daisy-style flowers in autumn. H&S: 60cm..
Resistant to rust and capable of tolerating cold, here’s a heuchera for well-drained soil that will pep up the shadiest of spots, drawing the eye with clumps of luminous, lime-green leaves. Plant in dense drifts for magnificent effect. Short spikes of rusty red flowers are borne from late spring until early summer. H: 60cm, S: 40cm.
Even when its charming, perfumed, bell-shaped flowers fade as spring turns to early summer, the late Queen Elizabeth’s favourite flower has a role to play in shade. Lily of the valley forms a carpet of spreading foliage, creating ground cover in the shadiest of spots. H&S: 50cm.
Planting this titan of the horticultural world is the ultimate way to add a jungle-like atmosphere to a shady spot. Huge green fronds begin to emerge in spring and carry on throughout summer. Keep crowns moist at all times and feed monthly with liquid seaweed during the growing season. H&S: 4m.
You’ll fall in love with this quirky perennial’s eye-catching, heartshaped leaves. While dainty blue flowers are borne in spring, it’s a woodland wonder, with striking silver leaves that are attractively veined and edged in green – perfect for brightening up shady spaces. H: 50cm, S: 1m.
Brilliant bloomers
With fluffy flower plumes, the false goatsbeard is a sight to behold in light or dappled shade, as long as it’s grown in moisture-retentive soil. Thriving in light shade, the deep red blooms of ‘Fanal’ add wow factor in June, but for areas of partial shade, opt for ‘Bressingham Beauty’, which delights with tall, flamboyant plumes of shocking pink flowers in July. H: 1m, S: 50cm.
No area of light shade is complete without the king of cottage gardens – th
