One thing to bear in mind when selecting plants for a shady spot is that you should try to make the space seem as warm and as abundant as possible. Planting in a series of layers with ground cover, beneath herbaceous plants, beneath shrubs, beneath trees is a good way to make the most of the space. One way to draw the eye up through the layers beneath a tree, or to draw the eye up a shady north or east facing wall is to plant vines to grow upwards through the foliage, up a tree or a wall.
![]() | Hydrangea anomala (Climbing hydrangea)This climbing shrub is perfect for adding drama to a shady spot. It can climb up to a height of 15m and is self-supporting. It has heart shaped leaves and pretty white flowers in the summer. |
![]() | Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)One of the well known plants for shade, be it an east or north facing wall or an area beneath mature trees, this self-supporting climber can also climb to a height of around 15m and provides stunning bright red foliage in the autumn. |
![]() | Lonicera periclumenum (Common Honeysuckle)This twining plant is commonly found twining over hedgerows. You may be surprised to hear that this is a plant that can cope with shade but that is indeed the case. The fragrant creamy flowers on common honeysuckle turn more yellow as they age and are borne over a long period. Honeysuckles can twine to a height of around 7m. They will require support though not necessarily tying in. |
![]() | Clematis (Many different varieties)A range of different clematis will also do well in the shade. These offer a wide variety of foliage and flowers. If you choose the right varieties you could grow a range of different clematis varieties in your shady garden and have blooms from late spring to early autumn. |
![]() | Euonymus fortuneiSeveral attractive options such as 'Silver Queen' or 'Emerald n' Gold' will look great in a shady spot. These are self clinging climbers and will not require any extra support. They can climb to a height of 5m or 2.5m (respectively) and will provide visual interest throughout the year. |
There are plenty of other options to brighten up a north or east facing wall or fence, or to rise between the layers under a shade tree or in a forest garden. The key is to pick options suited to your particular garden.