Outdoor plants for the shady corners of Irish and northern European gardens: under trees, along north-facing walls and in beds that see little direct sun, from evergreen groundcover to woodland perennials and self-clinging climbers. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which plants grow best in shade?
It depends on the kind of shade you have. Dry shade under trees and beside walls suits tough evergreen groundcover such as Vinca minor, Pachysandra terminalis, Epimedium and Geranium macrorrhizum. Damp, dappled shade suits ferns, Brunnera, Astrantia, hellebores and Carex. Shady walls and fences can be clothed with climbing hydrangea or native ivy.
| Plant | Best for | Evergreen? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geranium macrorrhizum | Dry shade under trees | Semi-evergreen | Aromatic leaves, bee-friendly flowers; hardy in Irish gardens |
| Vinca minor | Banks and dry shade | Yes | Spreading groundcover with blue or white spring flowers |
| Pachysandra terminalis | Under shrubs and trees | Yes | Forms a dense, glossy carpet that smothers weeds |
| Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' | Part shade, edging, pots | Yes | Arching cream-edged leaves all year |
| Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' | Damp part shade | No | Silver leaves and forget-me-not flowers in spring |
| Helleborus orientalis | Under deciduous trees | Largely | Flowers in late winter when little else does |
| Hydrangea petiolaris | North and east walls | No | Self-clinging climber with white summer flowers; hardy in Irish gardens |
Dry shade or damp shade?
Dry shade under trees is the harder of the two, because roots take most of the moisture. Dig in compost or leaf mould before planting, water through the first summer, and choose drought-tolerant groundcover such as Geranium macrorrhizum, Vinca and Luzula sylvatica. Damp shade is common on heavy Irish clay: add organic matter to open up the soil, avoid ground that sits waterlogged in winter, and plant moisture-lovers such as Brunnera, Astrantia and ferns like Polystichum and Asplenium scolopendrium.
Climbers and structure for shady walls
Climbing hydrangea is slow for its first couple of years, then clings to walls without wires. Ivy (Hedera helix, a native Irish plant) is valuable for wildlife, with late flowers for insects and winter berries for birds; self-clinging ivy suits sound masonry. A Japanese maple such as Acer palmatum 'Going Green' is hardy in Irish gardens and does well in dappled shade out of strong wind. Ivy is toxic to pets if eaten.
Frequently asked questions
What can I plant under trees in Ireland?
Choose dry-shade groundcover: Geranium macrorrhizum, Vinca minor, Epimedium, Pachysandra and the native woodrush Luzula sylvatica. Improve the soil with compost and water well through the first summer.
What flowers grow in full shade?
Few plants flower well in deep shade, but hellebores, Vinca, Epimedium and Brunnera manage it. In dappled or part shade you can add Astrantia, foxgloves and hardy geraniums.
When is the best time to plant a shade garden?
Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are best for pot-grown plants. You can plant at other times if you keep them watered, as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Planning a wider scheme? See our ivy plants, garden perennials, or bulk plants for covering a large area.