There's plenty of plants that don't mind the shade if you have a shady spot to fill in your garden. Whether it's trees and shrubs, edibles or flowers, we've put together some handy suggestions to help you make the most of your space.
Before planting in your shady spot, ensure that the soil is built up with organic matter such as Tui Compost and Tui Sheep Pellets to improve soil structure. Add a layer of Tui Garden Mix for a base of essential nutrients.
EDIBLES
There are options that will produce a decent harvest even if they are shaded during most of the day. Leafy greens especially are quite happy in a cooler, shady location.
- Kale
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Silverbeet
- Celery
- Mizuna
- Cavolo nero
- Parsley
- Mint
Trees & Shrubs
- Camellia
- Rhododendron including vireya
- Kalmia
- Azalea
- Daphne
- Clivia
- Hydrangea
- Hellebores
Other plants to consider are: liriope, hostas, heuchera, begonia, mondo grass, astilbe, and fuchsia.
fLOWERS
- Impatiens
- Pansy
- Alyssum
- Primula
- Forget-me-nots
Take care to not overwater plants in the shade as they won't take water up as quickly with less sun.
When should I plant
in
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Harvest in 30-40 days
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Plants to grow in shady spots Comments
What about gardenias in shady spots?
Marjorie Blaiklock
Hi Marjorie, gardenias are great plants for shaded spots in the garden, although they will take some sun, ensure their roots are cool and damp with their heads are in either early morning or late afternoon sun.
Lianne
Thank you Lianne. I have seen some thriving in shady spots but wanted to be sure before I replant where there are Chilean guavas that didn't bear fruit. I will now go for perfume instead of edible!
Marjorie
THANKS so much. Newly inspired... once the weather picks up again..soon!
Glennis
Try Mazus novo-zealandie or Mazus radicans ground cover plants as they need little sunshine and in my case little watering but maybe the neighbour provides that.
Dave Harris