10 bestOutdoor Shade Plantsof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
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1 X Orange Azalea Japanese Evergreen Shrub Hardy Garden Plant in Pot
GardenersDream
9.9
2
1 Litre | Lithodora Diffusa 'Heavenly Blue' | Evergreen Shrub | Pot Plant
GrowOn Shrubs
9.8
3
![[x8] Winter Heather Erica Darleyensis Collection | Variety-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/kEUt1-KrZ73sqB2MtAvwe0aFQfM=/0x150/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61L9lKmmRfL._SL500_.jpg)
[x8] Winter Heather Erica Darleyensis Collection | Variety-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants
GrowOn Shrubs
9.7
4
GardenersDream Senecio Angel Wings - Striking Evergreen Perennial & Flowering Garden Plant, Unique Silver Foliage with Outdoor Year-Round Interest - Drought Tolerant (10-20cm Incl. Pot)
GardenersDream
9.5
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GardenersDream Ceanothus 'Yankee Point' Plant - California Lilac Evergreen Shrub in 9cm Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Hardy Shrub - All Year Round Outdoor Plant for Groundcover (15-25 cm)
GardenersDream
9.4
OtherUp to 10% off
4 x Fern Plant Mix - Ready to Plant Outdoor Ferns 25-35cm in Height - Outdoor Fern Plants
GardenersDream 5 x Mixed Outdoor Fern Plants - Live Garden Ready Perennial Plants, Shrubs in 9cm Pot for Shaded Areas - All Year Round Plants for Garden - Healthy Rockery Plants (20-30cm)
Winter Bedding Plants - Viola 'Antique Shades' - 20 x Full Plant Pack - Winter Violas Ready to Plant - Winter Flowering Plants - Viola Plants - Outdoor Garden Ready Plants - Premium Quality Plants
Photinia x Fraseri 'Little Red Robin' | Evergreen Shrub | Pot Plant
6
9 x Rockery Plants - Perennial Garden Ready Flowers in 10.5cm Plant Pot, Hardy Outdoor Ground Cover & Trailing Plants Year Round
Tropical Plants UK
9.2
7% off
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![[x3] Polygala Chamaebuxus Grandiflora | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/_6kHPRbrD1F9EvjofNC8I7hEtoo=/0x150/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/616zXZz7qeL._SL500_.jpg)
[x3] Polygala Chamaebuxus Grandiflora | Multi-Pack | Evergreen Shrubs | Pot Plants
GrowOn Shrubs
9.0
8
Thyme Creeping Red herb aromatic leaves crimson red flowers summer loved by bees ground cover 9cm pot
Country Climbers & Garden Favourites
8.8
9
You Garden - Snowball Tree Viburnum opulus 'Roseum' in a 17cm Pot, Evergreen Shrubs Autumn Flowering Plants, Outdoor Plants for Pots All Year Round, Outdoor shrubs for Gardens Viburnum Shrubs
YouGarden
8.5
10
3 x Festuca Intense Blue - Blue Fescue - Blue Grass Plants Ready to Plant Arrives in 9cm Pots
Carbeth Plants
8.3
A Guide to Selecting the Best Outdoor Shade Plants
Choosing the right outdoor shade plants can transform a dimly lit garden area into a lush, vibrant space. When selecting plants for shaded areas, it's important to consider factors such as the amount of light the area receives, the climate, and the specific needs of the plants. Understanding these elements will help you create a thriving garden that suits your environment and personal preferences. By focusing on key plant characteristics, you can ensure that your shade garden is both beautiful and sustainable.
Light Requirements
Light requirements refer to the amount of sunlight a plant needs to grow healthily. This is crucial because placing a plant in the wrong light conditions can stunt its growth or even kill it. Shade plants typically fall into categories like full shade, partial shade, or dappled shade. Full shade plants thrive in areas that receive less than three hours of direct sunlight per day, while partial shade plants can handle three to six hours. Dappled shade plants prefer filtered sunlight, similar to what you might find under a tree canopy. To choose the right plant, assess the light conditions of your garden area throughout the day and match them with the plant's light requirements.
Soil Type
Soil type refers to the composition and texture of the soil in which plants grow. It's important because different plants have varying needs for nutrients, drainage, and pH levels. Common soil types include sandy, clay, loamy, and silty. Shade plants often prefer well-draining soil, but some may thrive in more specific conditions. To determine the best soil type for your plants, consider conducting a soil test to understand its composition and pH. Choose plants that are compatible with your soil type or amend the soil to better suit the plants you wish to grow.
Watering Needs
Watering needs refer to the amount and frequency of water a plant requires. This is important because too much or too little water can harm plants. Shade plants generally need less water than sun-loving plants because shaded areas retain moisture longer. However, the specific watering needs can vary widely among different species. Some shade plants prefer consistently moist soil, while others are more drought-tolerant. To choose the right plants, consider your ability to maintain a consistent watering schedule and the natural moisture levels of your garden area.
Climate Compatibility
Climate compatibility refers to a plant's ability to thrive in the temperature and weather conditions of your area. This is crucial because plants that are not suited to your climate may struggle to survive. Consider the hardiness zone of your location, which indicates the range of temperatures a plant can withstand. Shade plants can vary from tropical species that need warm, humid conditions to those that can survive cold winters. Choose plants that are well-suited to your local climate to ensure they thrive year-round.
Growth Habit
Growth habit describes the way a plant grows, including its size, shape, and spread. This is important for planning the layout of your garden and ensuring plants have enough space to grow without overcrowding. Shade plants can be ground covers, shrubs, or even small trees. Some may spread quickly and cover large areas, while others grow slowly and remain compact. Consider the available space in your garden and how you want it to look over time. Choose plants with growth habits that fit your design vision and space constraints.
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