The Complete Guide to Plants That Thrive in Shady London Gardens

If you're struggling with a shady London garden, you're not alone. Between Victorian terraces casting shadows, mature trees, and north facing aspects, I estimate half of South East London gardens could have significant shade. But here's the secret: shade gardens can be more beautiful, interesting, and easier to maintain than sunny ones - you just need the right plants.

Understanding Your Shade Type

Not all shade is equal. Identifying your type determines plant success:

Light/Dappled Shade

Bright but indirect light, or sun filtered through tree canopy. Under birch trees, or gardens getting 2-3 hours morning sun. Opportunities: Widest plant choice, including many "sun loving" plants

Partial Shade

3-6 hours direct sun, usually morning or late afternoon. East or west facing gardens, borders near buildings. Opportunities: Most woodland plants plus many perennials

Full Shade

Less than 3 hours direct sun. North facing, between buildings, under evergreens. Opportunities: Focus on foliage texture and form

Deep/Dense Shade

No direct sun, limited sky visibility. Under large evergreens, narrow passages. Opportunities: Specific specialists, or embrace moss and ferns

The Best Shade Plants by Category

Structural Plants (The Backbone)

Fatsia japonica

• Huge glossy leaves, architectural presence

• Thrives in deep shade

• White flowers in autumn

• Zero maintenance once established

Mahonia (varieties)

• Scented yellow winter flowers

• Architectural leaves

• Berries for birds

• Copes with dry shade

Aucuba japonica

• "Spotted laurel" - variegated options brighten darkness

• Incredibly tough

• Red berries if you have male and female

• Good for containers

Hydrangeas

• H. arborescens 'Annabelle' for reliability

• H. quercifolia for autumn color

• H. petiolaris for climbing in shade

• Need moisture but reward with months of flowers

Foliage Stars (Year Round Interest)

Hostas Despite slug issues, nothing beats hostas for shade impact:

• 'Sum and Substance' - huge, slug-resistant

• 'June' - blue with gold center

• 'Patriot' - white edged, brightens dark corners

• Tip: Surround with grit, grow in pots, or choose thick-leaved varieties

Ferns Perfect for London's damp shade:

• Dryopteris (male fern) - architectural, easy

• Polystichum (shield fern) - evergreen structure

• Athyrium (lady fern) - delicate texture

• Matteucia (shuttlecock fern) - dramatic unfurling

Heucheras Evergreen color for shade:

• 'Palace Purple' - deep burgundy

• 'Lime Marmalade' - electric lime

• 'Caramel' - amber tones

• Combine different colors for tapestry effect

Brunnera macrophylla

• Forget-me-not flowers in spring

• 'Jack Frost' - silver leaves with green veins

• 'Looking Glass' - almost entirely silver

• Spreads gently, never invasive

Flowering Shade Plants (Dispelling the Myth)

Astilbes

• Plume like flowers June-August

• Colours from white through pink to deep red

• Need moisture but cope with shade

• Dried seedheads provide winter interest

Japanese Anemones

• Flower August-October when little else does

• White or pink options

• Spread once happy (can be vigorous)

• 'Honorine Jobert' is the classic white

Astrantias

• Pincushion flowers May-September

• Self seed gently in perfect spots

• 'Roma' - pink, 'Shaggy' - large white

• Cut flowers last weeks

Hellebores

• Flower December-April when garden needs it most

• Evergreen types provide year round structure

• Self seed creating natural colonies

• Colours from white through pink to deep purple

Ground Cover (Problem Solvers)

For Dry Shade:

• Epimedium - delicate flowers, tough as boots

• Geranium macrorrhizum - scented leaves, spreads well

• Lamium - silver varieties brighten darkness

• Vinca minor - evergreen with periwinkle flowers

For Damp Shade:

• Ajuga - bronze or variegated leaves, blue flowers

• Pachysandra - evergreen carpet

• Waldsteinia - yellow flowers, strawberry-like leaves

• Tiarella - foam flower, lovely leaf markings

Bulbs for Shade

Spring:

• Snowdrops - first flowers of year

• Winter aconites - golden carpets

• Cyclamen coum - jewel-like flowers

• Bluebells - for woodland effect

• Erythroniums - dog's tooth violet, elegant

Autumn:

• Cyclamen hederifolium - flowers before leaves

• Colchicums - "naked ladies"

• Autumn crocuses

Design Ideas for Shady Gardens

The White Garden

Maximize light with white flowers and variegated foliage:

• White astilbes, anemones, hellebores

• Variegated hostas, brunnera 'Jack Frost'

• White bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba')

• Creates luminous effect in shade

The Jungle Look

Embrace shade with tropical-feeling foliage:

• Tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica)

• Fatsia japonica

• Large hostas

• Rodgersias

• Creates drama from textures

The Woodland Garden

Recreate natural forest floor:

• Layers: trees, shrubs, perennials, bulbs

• Natural materials: log piles, bark paths

• Let plants self seed

• Include British natives

The Green Architecture Garden

Celebrate foliage form and texture:

• Mix fern varieties

• Different hosta sizes

• Evergreen structure

• No flowers needed - stunning year round

Month-by-Month Interest in Shade

January-February: Hellebores, snowdrops, winter aconites March-April: Brunnera, primulas, wood anemones May-June: Aquilegias, foxgloves, geraniums July-August: Astilbes, hostas in flower, hydrangeas September-October: Japanese anemones, cyclamen, hydrangeas November-December: Mahonia flowers, evergreen structure

Practical Tips for Shady Gardens

Soil Improvement

Shade often means dry soil (rain doesn't reach, roots compete):

• Add organic matter annually

• Mulch to retain moisture

• Consider drip irrigation for dry spots

Maximize Light

• Paint walls white or pale colors

• Use mirrors carefully

• Choose pale paving

• Prune lower tree branches (if possible)

Common Mistakes

1. Trying to grow sun lovers (they become leggy and weak)

2. Not watering (rain doesn't always reach)

3. Giving up on flowers (plenty of options!)

4. Fighting moss (embrace it in deep shade)

5. Forgetting winter structure

Plants to Avoid in Shade

These sun-lovers will only disappoint:

• Lavender (becomes woody and sparse)

• Most roses (except a few climbers)

• Mediterranean herbs (except mint)

• Prairie plants (need full sun)

• Most vegetables (except salads)

Creating Your Shade Garden

1. Observe your shade patterns through seasons

2. Improve soil with organic matter

3. Start with structure - shrubs and evergreens

4. Layer in perennials and ground cover

5. Add bulbs for seasonal surprises

6. Mulch annually to retain moisture

7. Enjoy lower maintenance than sunny gardens!

The Shade Garden Advantage

Shade gardens have real benefits:

• Less watering once established

• Fewer weeds

• No scorching in heatwaves

• More subtle, sophisticated palette

• Better for wildlife (shelter, cooling)

• Peaceful, contemplative atmosphere

Stop seeing shade as a problem. With the right plants, it's your garden's greatest asset.

Need help designing your shady garden? Our consultation service specializes in challenging conditions. We'll identify your shade type and create a planting plan that thrives. Book your consultation today.