How to choose plants for a shaded area

[ChloeThomson]

Shaded areas of the garden can pose challenges, but there is a diverse range of beautiful plants that can thrive.

Here's how you can find the perfect plants for a shaded garden.  

Determine how much shade your garden gets

Any area in your garden receiving less than four hours of sunlight per day is considered shaded, so it's important to determine the amount of shade your space receives. 

Areas with full shade

In areas with full shade, no sunlight reaches the ground. This is common on the south side of a house or wall or beneath evergreen trees or shrubs. Plants that thrive in full shade must be able to tolerate low-light conditions.  Brunnera growing in dappled shade

Areas with dappled shade

In areas with dappled shade, sunlight filters through tree leaves or trellises, creating a shifting pattern of light and shade. This type of shade is ideal for plants that enjoy gentle, indirect light. 

Areas with part shade

In areas with part shade, sunlight directly hits the ground for less than four hours, usually in the morning or afternoon. Part shade can accommodate a wide range of plants. If dealing with part shade, it's essential to note when the sun hits. The morning sun tends to be softer and gentler than the afternoon sun, which can be intense and likely to burn sensitive plants.  

Remember that the sun's arc across the sky is lower during winter, affecting the amount of sunlight your space receives. When the sun is higher in summer, your shaded area might get a few hours of sunlight.  

Ideally, observe the space for 12 months to fully understand the sun's movement. Alternatively, plant in pots that can be moved to chase the sun or shade, depending on the plants' preferences.  

Determine how much water your plants get

Assess the available moisture in your soil and whether the site has access to irrigation or regular watering. If you are dealing with dry shade, such as a steep slope with runoff or free-draining soil under established trees, choose plants labelled "dry tolerant", "dry shade", or "low water use".  

For water-thirsty plants in dry shade areas, consider growing them in self-watering pots or installing an automatic irrigation system.

Hellebores are flowering plants that can thrive in shade

Plant suggestions for shaded areas

Below are some plants that suit different types of shaded areas. Don’t forget to read the label to see which kind of shade they prefer most and check their water requirements.

Flowering plants

Many flowering plants thrive in shade. These include impatiens, begonias, hellebores, daphne, Japanese anemones, dianthus, hydrangeas, plectranthus, some of the salvias and the Australian native Waratah.

Plants with foliage

Look for hosta, lamium, carex "Feather Falls", ajuga, brunnera, coprosma and ferns.

Ground covers

Ground covering plants are great at filling bare patches, suppressing weeds and adding soft edges. Shade-tolerant ground covers include vinca, ajuga, lamium, Native Violets, dichondra, lysimachia and bacopa. Hosta plants with bright foliage in shade

Shrubs

For added structure and depth to your shaded garden, plant shade-loving shrubs such as hydrangea, azalea, rhododendron, nandina and hebe. 

Bulbs 

Flowering bulbs that pop up for a season can add a lovely pop of colour and interest to a shaded garden. Shade-loving bulbs include bluebells, lily of the valley, veltheimia, crocus, snowdrops, daffodils and anemones.

Tips on caring for a shaded garden

Here are some things to keep in mind when growing plants in a garden with shaded areas:

• Add organic matter like compost and pelletised organic fertiliser to prepare the soil before planting. 
  
  
• Install irrigation, such as soaker hoses or drip systems, to deliver water directly to the plant roots if needed. 
  
  
• Apply a 3-6cm layer of organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fine bark mulches or organic sugar cane are ideal as they will break down to improve the soil over time.
  
  
• Prune off spent flowers and dead foliage throughout the year to maintain neatness and improve air circulation and light penetration. 
  
  
• Fertilise your shaded garden at least once a year, and more frequently if larger trees or shrubs nearby compete for nutrients. 

More tips on choosing and growing plants 

Bunnings Workshop has more helpful resources for selecting different types of plants and maintaining a healthy garden, including:  

• How to choose plants for your garden  
    
• How to choose shade-tolerant vegetables  
   
• How to choose the right soil for your plants 
   
• How to determine soil health. 

If you need a hand in selecting plants for your garden, don’t hesitate to ask a question. We're here to help. 

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