Which Plants Are Not Afraid of the Dark: A Guide to Shade-Tolerant Species

Many gardeners believe that bright sunlight is essential to creating a beautiful and lush garden.

However, this is not entirely true.

There are many plants that are not only not afraid of shade, but also prefer it. They feel great in partial shade and shade, decorating even the darkest corners of the garden with their appearance, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .

Plants that love shade conditions

Hosts

Hostas are one of the most popular shade-tolerant plants. Their decorative leaves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They easily adapt to various conditions, but prefer partial shade.

Ferns

Ferns are ancient plants that thrive in the shade. They create a tropical forest atmosphere, adding elegance and coziness to the garden.

Brunner

Brunnera is a beautiful plant with soft blue flowers that resemble forget-me-nots. It tolerates shade well, and its leaves remain decorative all season long.

Astilbe

Astilbe is a beautiful plant that features lush inflorescences of various shades, from white to red. It grows well in partial shade and can enliven any corner of the garden with its bright flowers.

Bergenia

Bergenia, a plant with attractive leathery leaves, retains its decorative qualities throughout the season. It adapts perfectly to shady conditions and in spring pleases the eye with its voluminous inflorescences, bringing a sense of celebration of bright colors to the garden.

Rogersia

Rogersia is a plant with large leaves that come in various shades of green. It feels great in the shade, and its large inflorescences, similar to fluffy panicles, will add elegance and coziness to the garden.

Shade-tolerant shrubs

Not only flowers, but also shrubs can grow well in the shade. Among them:

• Hydrangea is a garden decoration thanks to its magnificent flowers, the spectrum of which varies from snow-white to deep blue. This ornamental shrub thrives in partial shade and can add brightness to any area of your garden with its bright inflorescences.
• Viburnum: Viburnum is a shrub that has beautiful flowers in a variety of shades, from white to pink. It grows well in partial shade and can decorate any corner of the garden with its bright flowers.
• Spiraea: Spiraea is a shrub with beautiful flowers that come in a variety of shades, from white to pink. It feels great in partial shade, and its bright flowers will decorate any corner of the garden.

Shade-tolerant conifers

Among conifers there are also shade-tolerant species that will perfectly decorate the garden.

• Yew: Yew is a coniferous tree with dark green needles that remain decorative all season. It tolerates shade well, and its fruits, small red berries, add bright colors to the garden.
• Spruce: Spruce is a coniferous tree with a dense crown that provides excellent protection from the sun. It tolerates shade well, and its bright cones will add winter colors to the garden.
• Juniper: Juniper is a coniferous shrub with beautiful scaly leaves. It tolerates shade well, and its bright berries add fragrance and bright colors to the garden.

Shade-tolerant vines

Vines are a great solution for greening shady walls and fences.

• Ivy: Ivy, a vigorous vine with attractive glossy leaves, is distinguished by its shade tolerance. The green leaves of ivy form a picturesque curtain that will be an exquisite decoration for various areas of the garden.
• Virginia creeper: Virginia creeper is a fast-growing vine with beautiful leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. It tolerates shade well, and its green leaves create a living curtain, decorating any corner of the garden.
• Clematis: Clematis is a beautiful flowering vine with beautiful flowers of various shades. It tolerates shade well, and its bright flowers will add bright colors to the garden.

Creating a Garden in the Shade

Creating a shade garden is not an easy task, but with the right choice of plants you can create a beautiful and cozy corner.

It is important to remember that shade-tolerant plants do not like the soil to dry out. They need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot season.

When creating a shade garden, don't forget about composition. Choose plants with different leaf shades, textures, and shapes to create a harmonious look.

Tips for caring for shade-tolerant plants

• Don't forget about watering. Shade-tolerant plants also need water, especially in hot weather.
• Add organic fertilizers to the soil to maintain its fertility.
• Inspect plants for pests and diseases. If necessary, apply plant protection products.

Earlier we told you how to get rid of aphids for the entire season using one simple remedy.