Four plants that love a shady garden and little attention
It can be incredibly time-consuming growing your own plants. Feeding them, watering them and taking care of them as they grow requires commitment if you want to get the very best from your blooms. And if you're a lazy gardener then there are certain varieties that just won't thrive under your minimal care.
Of course, one of the main issues for growing flowers in the UK is the inconsistent weather we experience even in the summer months. Britain famously receives inconsistent sun and can suffer from lacklustre summers too which means plants that need good sunlight are also going to struggle.
Fortunately, there are some flower species that actually prefer the shade and that don't require constant attention either making them a great choice for hands-off gardeners and those with outdoor spaces that aren't bathed in light all the time.
While sunlight is crucial for flowers to photosynthesise and grow, too much exposure can actually be harmful for some plants. It can cause issues like leaf burn, wilting and dryness, reports the Mirror.
There are many plants that have actually evolved to thrive in low-light conditions. This is because they are able to maximise light absorption through features like thinner, broader leaves and the use of red spectrum light.
So which flowers should you grow that thrive in the shade? Home and Gardens shares four flowers that require little sunlight or attention:
Wild geranium
These colourful flowers will brighten up any garden – without needing much brightness themselves. Though native to North America, they can be grown in the UK.
Home and Gardens write: 'They are remarkably adaptable to a wide range of climates and situations, growing just fine in both shade and sun.' Although, they recommend that those in colder climates be exposed to some sunlight.
Wild Ginger
Known for its glossy deep green leaves, wild ginger makes a fantastic plant for shaded gardens. It sprawls over your garden floor, leaving little room for weeds, and enjoys moist, well-drained soil.
Although, it is important to note that wild ginger differs from culinary ginger in many ways. Most crucially, it can be toxic to eat if not prepared properly.
Periwinkle
An evergreen plant, periwinkle will sprawl over your garden floor, providing a bloom of delightful little blue flowers. Generally, it is known to grow quite quickly.
Periwinkle grows well in full shade and is a popular option to plant under shrubs and trees. Although, it is important to note that it flowers best in sunnier conditions.
Japanese Spurge
This gorgeous plant will provide year-round coverage in your garden with little maintenance. With its delicate waxy green leaves it's also impressive to look at.
These plants don't require much sunlight to thrive. Although, Home and Gardens caution that it can be 'slow to get going' and may take a year or two to fully establish itself in your garden.
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