Planting in the shade - plants to use in a shady border

One of the areas of the garden that a lot people find hard is a shady north facing bed. While the south facing borders seem to get all the colour and glory, the shady garden borders can sometimes feel a bit drab if not planted thoughtfully.

There are so many plants that can be used to give colour, shape and structure to a shady garden bed, however.

Plants for a shade border

It's true that a garden border in the shade can sometimes feel less exuberant than the sunny side of the garden, but the above image shows that there are plants that will keep it looking lush and interesting throughout the year.

Here are a few plant ideas to try in a shade border in a Kent garden:

Evergreens for shade:

Skimmia japonica rubella has red flowers in winter

Sarcococca varieties have gorgeously scented white flowers in winter

Grasses for shade:

Anemanthele lessoniana can survive in shade and give pretty red tinged colours and texture. (Not in soil that's too damp)

Hakonechloa macra and Hakonechloa macra Aureola can provide lush green texture in shade

Flowers for shade:

Hellebores - there are so many varieties of Hellebores in a range of colours, many of these are suitable for shade borders. Try Hellebore hybridus varieties and Hellebore argutifolius.

Anemones - perennial Anemones provide beautiful tall flowers in a shady border in the autumn. Great for the back of a border.

Ground cover for shade:

Bergenia cordifolia varieties - flowers in white or pink, and large round leaves throughout most of the year to provide border edging.

Pachysandra terminalis - low growing, spreading ground cover with small white flowers.

When choosing plants for your garden always consider your particular soil and the level of sun for that border, the eventual height and spread of each plant, and how it will all look in each season.

If you would like help or advice on how to plant a shady border in your own Sevenoaks garden please get in touch - I'd love to help.

#gardendesign

#gardendesignersevenoaks

#plantingdesignsevenoaks

#plantsforshade

#shadeplanting

#plantsforshadegarden