Colorful Plants for Shade

Shady areas of the garden needn't be dull as there are lots of attractive plants that will thrive in low light conditions.

Osmunda regalis, Royal fern

• Latin name: Osmunda regalis
• Common name: Royal fern
• Type of plant: Fern
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flower colour: N/A
• Leaf colour: Bright green
• Height and spread:     2m x 1m (6.6ft x 3.3ft)

Description:

This handsome deciduous fern has bright green fronds. In summer, rust-brown fertile fronds appear, which look a bit like flowers. Needs moist soil. 

Vinca, Periwinkle

• Latin name: Vinca
• Common name: Periwinkle
• Type of plant: Ground cover
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flower colour: Purple-blue
• Leaf colour: Dark green
• Height and spread:     30cm x 1m (1ft x 3.3ft)

Description:

These evergreens make useful ground cover in shady spots. They are vigorous growers so cut them back hard each spring to keep them under control. 

Mahonia

• Latin name: Mahonia
• Common name: Mahonia
• Type of plant: Shrub
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flower colour: Bright yellow
• Leaf colour: Dark green
• Height and spread:     1m x 1.5m (3.3ft x 4.9ft)

Description:

These evergreen shrubs have attractive spiky leaves which are loved by flowers arrangers. In winter, they bear scented, yellow flowers which are followed by bluish fruits. 

Camellia, Camellia 

• Latin name: Camellia
• Common name: Camellia
• Type of plant: Shrub
• Hardiness: Frost-hardy
• Flower colour: White to pink or red
• Leaf colour: Dark green
• Height and spread: 5m x 4m(17ft x 13.1ft)

Description:

Well known for their colourful flowers which brighten the garden in spring. They need acid soil to thrive. Can be grown in containers of ericaceous compost. 

Helleborus foetidus, Stinking hellebore

• Latin name: Helleborus foetidus
• Common name: Stinking hellebore
• Type of plant: Hardy perennial
• Hardiness: Hardy
• Flower colour: Green
• Leaf colour: Deep green
• Height and spread:     30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft)

Description:

Easy to grow, even in dry shade this tough evergreen perennial bears green flowers in winter. Cut out stems 

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