Plants in the shade

[sue629]

I have a patch that never gets any sunlight can anybody suggest a plant or shrub.

[whifffey]

I have a patch of garden in permanent deep shade. Ferns grow well there, as does ivy, cotoneaster, and even a peony. Primroses do ok, also calendula (granny's bonnet). Careful if you grow calendula, because if you do you'll never get rid of them.

[whifffey]

Also, plant some bluebell bulbs all over the place, they look lovely in dappled shade and come up year after year.

[craft1948]

will these plants you mention grow in boggy soil whifffey...one part of my garden is in the shade as well but it's always wet due to clay.

[whifffey]

Yes, I'm on clay, thick boggy clay (Croydon), and yes they do well.

A good tip, if you are not sure what to grow, wander around and see what is doing well in neighbouring gardens, either by accident or design.

I've actually got a pair of rhododendrons doing well in shade in a clay garden, but I did dig in about 300 litres of ericaceous compost. It was a little experiment, and it has worked.

[Clanad]

Any of the hundreds of varities of Hostas will grow in your shade...

[craft1948]

thanks everyone.......and sue629 for the post....