When it comes to the shady spots in our gardens – whether they be on the south side, victim to constant shadow from a fence or beneath a tree – without a bit of care, they can quickly become damp, dreary and, ultimately, avoided. We know most plants thrive with several hours of direct sunlight, but luckily there are plenty of shade-loving plants that will not only survive, but thrive, in these areas.
When considering your shaded spots, what kind of look are you going for? A classic English-style garden with plenty of hydrangeas or cyclamen? Or a native garden with ferns to act as ground cover? And will these plants be planted in the ground, a raised garden bed or in pots?
Before buying shade-loving plants, survey your garden. Choose a style that fits your garden and lifestyle. Be sure to look at the height and width the plants should reach once mature, too. Mix taller perennials like hydrangeas with low plants like hellebores for a fuller look gardeners love.
Our favourite shade-loving plants
Rhododendron
Rhododendrons are popular in New Zealand gardens for their large blooms. They bring vibrant colour from late winter to spring. They thrive in part shade with dappled light. Plant them under trees or along borders for best results. Many varieties come in diverse colours and sizes. You’re sure to find one to suit your outdoor space.
When to plant: From late winter through spring
Position: Part shade
Soil type: Free-draining soil
Mature height: From 1.5 metres to 2 metres, depending on variety
Flowering: From late autumn to early summer
How to plant rhododendrons
Hydrangea
Is a cottage garden really complete with a hydrangea? With so many varieties to choose from – lacecap, mophead, snowball – hydrangeas are perfect for shaded spaces, along borders or even in pots. Blossoming in spring, the flowers should last throughout summer, finally changing colour in autumn. The flowers are a stunning cut flower too, or can be dried or preserved for an everlasting bouquet.
When to plant: From spring through to autumn
Position: Full to part shade
Soil type: Free-draining soil, rich in organic matter
Mature height: From 0.5 metres to 2 metres, depending on variety
Flowering: From early summer
How to plant hydrangeas
Hellebores
Known as the ‘winter rose’ (though not related to the rose at all), hellebores add stunning, vibrant colour to the garden over the cooler months, while most of other flowering plants are dormant. These are a must for any garden, given that they provide food for the bees when nectar is scarce. They’re an evergreen perennial too, so they will offer colour to the shaded spots of your garden when all else might be bare.
Tip: Hellebores tend to have downward-facing flowers, so plant them on a hill, in a pot or a raised garden bed to enjoy the flowers at eye level.
When to plant: Autumn and winter
Position: Full to part shade
Soil type: Fertile, free-draining soil
Mature height: Up to 60 cm
Flowering: From autumn
How to plant hellebores
Cyclamen
As shade-lovers, cyclamen do best sheltered by larger plants in the garden (I have mine planted between my rosemary hedges), or inside in pots, and offer a great burst of colour in winter. They will die down and go dormant in the warmer months, and reemerge once the cooler, damper seasons return.
When to plant: Autumn to spring
Position: Bright, indirect sunlight
Soil type: Fertile, free-draining soil
Mature height: Up to 25cm
Flowering: From autumn
How to plant cyclamen
Alyssum
Alyssum are a hero of the garden. An annual plant, Alyssum can grow almost anywhere and produces lasting masses of tiny white, pink and violet blooms that bees and insects adore. Plant seedlings, or scatter seeds in any bare spots in the garden, in pots or even rockeries, and you’ll be greeted with fragrant ground-cover.
When to plant: Spring to autumn
Position: Full sun to light shade
Soil type: Free-draining soil, rich in organic matter
Mature height: Up to 30cm
Flowering: From spring
How to plant alyssum
Busy Lizzie (Impatiens)
Impatiens are one of the most popular plants among gardeners, largely due to their brightly-coloured blooms and ability to grow in shady areas. Too much sun will scorch their leaves, but they should be happy as long as they avoid the harsh midday sun. Pop these into gaps or under larger shrubs or trees and enjoy a carpet of colour.
When to plant: Spring and summer
Position: Shade or filtered light
Soil type: Free-draining soil, rich in organic matter
Mature height: Up to 90cm
Flowering: Up to 10 months of the year in right spot
How to plant impatiens
Azelea
For a real punch of colour through winter and spring, you can’t go past Azaleas. With many colours and varieties available, you’ll find one suited to your garden’s darker spots. In New Zealand, both evergreen and deciduous azaleas are common, so be sure to check the labels before you make your purchase.
When to plant: Autumn, winter or spring
Position: Part to full shade
Soil type: Free-draining, acidic soil, rich in organic matter
Mature height: Up to 1.5m
Flowering: From spring
How to plant azeleas
Clivia
As a subtropical plant, clivias thrive in the top of the North Island, New Zealand. With bright flowers that range from red to yellow, they’ll add a delight of colour from late winter. Plant these in large groups under a tree or in containers in a shady corner.
When to plant: Spring to autumn
Position: Dappled light or full shade
Soil type: Free-draining rich in organic matter
Mature height: Up to 1m
Flowering: From late winter to early summer
How to plant clivia
How to help plants grow in shade
Helping plants grow in shade begins with choosing varieties that thrive in low light. Hydrangeas, cyclamen, and hellebores are great options. Improving soil quality is essential—add organic matter like compost to provide nutrients your plants need.
Watering needs careful attention. Shade slows evaporation, but soil can still dry out, so consistent watering is important. Mulching, especially in summer, helps keep roots cool and moist. With the right plants, good soil, and proper watering, you can create a healthy garden even in the shadiest spots.
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