Best Plants to Grow in Shade

By Amy Brown | Published on 2021-09-01

Welcome to the world of gardening! If you're looking for a way to bring some life and color to your shady outdoor space, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the best plants to grow in shade. From lush ferns to vibrant flowers, we'll cover a range of plants that thrive in the shade and can easily be incorporated into your garden. So, let's get started and discover the best plants to grow in shade!

Shade-tolerant plants

Shade-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and texture to your garden without having to worry about too much sun. There are many different types of plants that can thrive in shaded areas, from flowering perennials to evergreen shrubs. Some of the most popular shade-tolerant plants include hostas, ferns, astilbes, and heucheras. Hostas come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a great choice for adding interest to your garden. Ferns are a classic choice for shady areas, as they thrive in moist, cool conditions. Astilbes are a great choice for adding a splash of color to your garden, as they come in a variety of shades of pink, white, and red. Heucheras are a great choice for adding texture and color to your garden, as they come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. All of these plants are easy to care for and can add a lot of beauty to your garden.

Soil requirements

When it comes to growing plants in the shade, the soil requirements are just as important as the amount of sunlight the plants receive. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained, as too much moisture can cause root rot. A good soil mix should include compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite. This will help to ensure that the soil has the right balance of nutrients and moisture.

It is also important to test the soil pH levels to make sure they are in the right range for the plants you are growing. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, so if the pH levels are too high, you can add sulfur or compost to lower them. If the pH levels are too low, you can add lime or wood ash to raise them.

Finally, make sure to add a layer of mulch to the soil. This will help to keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from taking over. It will also help to keep the soil temperature consistent and provide nutrients to the plants as it breaks down.

Understanding light conditions

When it comes to gardening, understanding light conditions is key to success. Knowing how much light your plants need is essential for helping them thrive. Shade is a term used to describe the amount of light a plant receives, and it can range from full sun to deep shade. Full sun means the plant is receiving direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, while deep shade is when the plant is receiving no direct sunlight at all.

The amount of light a plant needs depends on the species. Some plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Knowing the light requirements of your plants is the first step in creating a successful garden. Additionally, it’s important to consider the direction of the sun when planting. If the sun is coming from the east, the plants will receive more light in the morning, while if the sun is coming from the west, the plants will receive more light in the afternoon.

Finally, it’s important to remember that the amount of light a plant receives can be affected by its surroundings. Trees, buildings, and other structures can all cast shadows, reducing the amount of light the plant receives. Knowing the light conditions of your garden is essential for helping your plants thrive.

Choosing the right types of plants

When it comes to choosing the right types of plants for shady areas, it is important to consider the amount of light the area receives. Shade can range from light to deep, and the type of plants that will thrive in each type of shade will vary. For light shade, plants that prefer bright indirect light such as ferns, hostas, and impatiens are ideal. For deep shade, plants such as astilbes, heucheras, and hellebores are better suited.

It is also important to consider the soil type when selecting plants for shady areas. Clay soils tend to hold moisture better than sandy soils, so plants that prefer moist soils such as hostas, astilbes, and heucheras are ideal. Sandy soils, on the other hand, tend to dry out quickly, so plants that prefer drier soils such as ferns, hellebores, and impatiens are better suited.

Finally, it is important to consider the size and shape of the plants when selecting plants for shady areas. Tall plants such as astilbes and heucheras can provide a vertical element to the garden, while low-growing plants such as ferns, hellebores, and impatiens can provide a carpet of foliage. Consider the size and shape of the plants when selecting plants for shady areas to ensure the garden looks balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

When to plant in shade

When it comes to planting in shade, timing is key. Knowing when to plant in shade can be the difference between a successful garden and a failed one. Generally, the best time to plant in shade is in the late spring or early summer. This is because the sun is not as intense during this time, allowing the plants to get the necessary sunlight they need to thrive.

When planting in shade, it is important to remember that some plants may require more sunlight than others. For example, some plants may need full sun to thrive, while others may only need partial shade. It is important to research the plants you are looking to grow to ensure that they are suitable for the amount of shade in your garden.

Finally, it is important to remember that plants in shade will grow more slowly than those in full sun. This means that you may need to be patient and give the plants more time to establish themselves. Additionally, you may need to water the plants more frequently in order to ensure that they get the necessary moisture they need to survive.

Fertilizing in shade

Fertilizing in shade can be tricky, as many plants don't get as much sunlight in these conditions. However, there are a few tips and tricks to help ensure your plants get the nutrients they need.

First, it's important to understand that plants in shade need less fertilizer than those in full sun. This is because they don't get as much energy from the sun, so they don't need as much food. When fertilizing in shade, use a balanced fertilizer with a low nitrogen content. This will help ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need without over-fertilizing.

Another tip for fertilizing in shade is to apply the fertilizer in smaller amounts more frequently. This will help ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need without over-fertilizing. Additionally, it's important to water your plants regularly when fertilizing in shade. This will help the fertilizer reach the roots of the plants and ensure that they get the nutrients they need.

Common mistakes when growing in shade

One of the most common mistakes when growing in shade is not providing enough light. Many plants need at least four hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Without enough light, plants may become leggy and weak, and may not produce flowers or fruit.

Another mistake is not providing enough water. Shade plants tend to require more water than those grown in full sun, as they are not able to absorb as much moisture from the air. Make sure to water your shade plants regularly, and check the soil to ensure it is not too dry.

Finally, many people underestimate the importance of soil quality. Shade plants need nutrient-rich soil to thrive, so make sure to use a quality potting mix or compost when planting. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch to the soil can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Watering needs for shade plants

Watering needs for shade plants can vary depending on the type of plant, but generally speaking, shade plants need less water than those grown in full sun. This is because shade plants are not exposed to the same intense heat and direct sunlight that plants grown in full sun are. As a result, they require less frequent watering.

When it comes to watering shade plants, it is important to remember that they need consistent moisture. This means that you should water them regularly, but not too much. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems. The best way to determine when to water is to check the soil. If the top inch of soil is dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a few days before watering again.

It is also important to water shade plants at the right time of day. Early morning is the best time to water, as this gives the plants time to absorb the moisture before the sun comes out. Watering in the evening can also be beneficial, as it will help keep the plants cool during the hot summer months.

Companion planting for shaded areas

Companion planting is a great way to maximize the potential of your shaded garden. By planting certain plants together, you can create a more diverse and productive garden. For example, planting vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and kale in the shade of taller plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can help to protect the vegetables from the intense sun.

In addition to vegetables, there are a number of flowering plants that can be planted in the shade. Shade-loving flowers such as impatiens, begonias, and vinca can provide a colorful backdrop for your garden. These flowers can also attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate your vegetables and other plants.

Finally, companion planting can also help to reduce the amount of weeds in your garden. By planting taller plants in the shade, they can help to block out the light that weeds need to grow. This can help to reduce the amount of weeding you need to do and make it easier to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.

Conclusion

Shade gardening can be a great way to add color and life to your outdoor space. With the right plants, you can create a lush and vibrant garden that will thrive in the shade. From ferns to hostas to begonias, there are a variety of plants that can thrive in the shade, so you can create a beautiful garden in any part of your yard. With a little research and careful selection of plants, you can create a stunning shade garden that will bring beauty and joy to your outdoor space.