Four plants that love a shady garden and little attention
If you have a garden that's in the shade there are plants that will thrive in it
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside village vanishing into the sea and the £15m plan to tackle it
A five-year project with £15m of government funding aims to help residents impacted by the worsening threat of coastal erosion - as experts predict one seaside village will soon vanish A tiny UK seaside village famed for its rugged cliffs and sugar-like sand is in grave danger of vanishing into the sea. Since the 1990s, more than 250 metres of coastline at Happisburgh, in Norfolk, has been eroded. If it continues at this alarming rate, the village as it is now will be underwater water in just 30 years. It may sound like something out of an apocalypse film, but for residents quite literally living life on the edge - it's a terrifying reality. "What's happening in places like Happisburgh isn't just a prediction - it's a process that's already underway," explains climate analyst Dr Ian Richards. "Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected." Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, a North Norfolk District Council spokesperson explained how the authority has been working tirelessly to protect the beaches and seaside communities that are threatened by erosion. Over the last 15 years, several coastal projects have sought to mitigate the worsening disaster and help locals impacted by crumbling cliffs. "The council has been working with and will continue to work with partners such as the Environment Agency and the national government to maintain sea defences where possible," they added. "Where this isn't possible or feasible, the Council has been working with coastal communities to develop, prepare, and adopt more options to help those communities impacted by coastal erosion." Coastwise - which started in 2022 and will run to 2027 as part of the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) - is one of the only ongoing projects still trying to help residents adapt to the effects of erosion and climate change along a section of the North Norfolk coastline. It has received £15 million from Defra, as part of the government's £200 million innovation fund, to help 'transition and prepare' coastal communities in the area. "Coastwise will work with residents and businesses to prepare and plan for the long term," the initiative states. "Some immediate changes will support the long-term resilience of communities near the coast." These actions may include: 'Rolling back' property and facilities most likely to be affected by coastal erosion. Improving and replacing damaged community facilities like beach access or coastal transport links. Replacing public or community-owned buildings in areas at risk with removable, modular, or other building ideas. Repurposing land in coastal erosion zones for different uses, such as creating temporary car parks or restoring natural habitats. "Actions may also include working with the finance and property sectors to explore funding methods to help move communities away from fast-eroding areas," Coastwise added. "For example, schemes to encourage the relocation of at-risk infrastructure for businesses and homeowners." After the project ends, it is hoped that communities in North Norfolk feel they have a 'more sustainable future' and can access support helping them move away from risk. The initiative also aims to give the council enough resources and capability to 'assess, find funding, manage and deliver effective adaptation and transition options to its communities'. While Coastwise will not provide compensation for homes lost to erosion, it may be able to offer financial support for residents needing to transition out of the coastal erosion risk area. At the moment, there are around 600 properties in Happisburgh, homing some 1,400 people. Despite Happisburgh's bleak future, the Parish Council says tourists should 'definitely visit' the village. "It is a wonderful holiday destination with a fabulous beach and is a beautiful village," a spokesperson added. This attitude has also been adopted by locals, including Maria Jennings - a B&B owner who is confident the village's environmental challenges won't put off tourists just yet. "We know the risks, but we also know the beauty," she said. "People come here to relax, enjoy the beach and walk the coast. Most understand the situation - they just want to enjoy it while they still can."
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Daily Record
Gardeners issued warning over popular plant that's banned from sale and are urged to 'bin it'
Garden designer expert Diarmuid Gavin has warned gardeners about the distinctive-looking weed parrot feather which must be disposed of immediately if you spot it in your garden pond. As garden ponds heat up, aquatic plants are thriving, but it's crucial to maintain a balanced mix to keep the pond in good health. Oxygenating plants like hornwort and water buttercup help purify the water by absorbing nutrients, while floating native plants like frogbit and water soldiers offer extra surface cover and nourishment for fish. Irish garden designer expert Diarmuid Gavin was sent a query from a Mirror reader this week who was concerned about a thick green plant engulfing his pond, which he suspected was a weed. Evaluating the reader's description, the plant expert advised that it looks to be a parrot feather, or Myriophyllum aquaticum, which is definitely a weed, that he is dealing with. Writing in his column for the Mirror, Gavin gave his expert advice on the situation. He wrote: "To me, it looks like parrot feather, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and it's definitely a weed. It's classed as invasive and is banned from sale. My advice is to remove the lot, bag it up and bin it. "Its role as an oxygenator needs to be replaced so I recommended the British native Myriophyllum spicatum, spiked water milfoil. This aquatic plant lives submerged in slow-flowing streams and ditches, as well as lakes and ponds. It has feather leaves but tiny reddish flowers emerge on spikes in June and July. "But plants that we should encourage are hardy geraniums, or cranesbills - among the most dependable and versatile herbaceous perennials for any garden. "Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, their growth habits vary from neat ground-huggers to shrubby mounds several feet tall. This diversity makes them perfect for ground cover, floral borders, and even pots or containers." He added: "What's more, they're incredibly easy to grow. Many varieties thrive in partial shade, some tolerate full shade, and others flourish in full sun. They require minimal maintenance, are generally pest-resistant, and their open, delicate blooms are magnets for pollinators. "Colours range from pure white and soft pinks to deep purples and vibrant blues. " Speaking of what he grows in his own garden, television personality Diarmuid, who has presented the Chelsea Flower Show nine times, admitted: "I realised I have no fewer than seven varieties in my own garden." He continued: "At the front, I grow Geranium macrorrhizum, a creeping pink semi-evergreen that's quietly spread over the years in a most agreeable way. "Its sticky leaves release a fresh, herbal scent when rubbed – a lovely surprise. It's my go-to plant for dry, shady spots where little else will grow. Beneath the birch trees is 'Ann Folkard', easy to spot with its vivid magenta glowers and dark centres. It handles dry shade well and looks striking alongside the limey-green froth of Alchemilla mollis. "It's got a more rambling habit, weaving naturally through neighbouring perennials." Gavin continued on: "A star performer still to bloom is 'Rozanne', famed for its large, violet-blue flowers that bloom non-stop from early summer to autumn. It's equally at home in borders or containers – ideal for patio gardeners looking for long-lasting colour. "In the back garden grows Geranium palmatum, the Canary Island geranium. Despite its sun-loving roots, it's surprisingly content in partial shade. A biennial that self-seeds freely once settled, it offers lovely fern-like foliage and soft pink flower sprays. "More humble, but just as charming, is our native G. robertianum, or herb Robert. Depending on your perspective, it's either a cheerful wildflower or an unwelcome weed. "I rather enjoy its spontaneous appearances – especially at the base of my tree ferns, where the small pink blooms contrast beautifully with the dark, hairy trunks." Moving onto the next plant, he explained: "From Madeira comes the flamboyant G. maderense – perhaps the most spectacular of all. A tender biennial, it requires protection in cooler regions and can only be grown outside in mild, coastal gardens or under cover. When it flowers, it produces a show-stopping dome of pink blooms well worth the effort." The garden designer concluded: "Not forgetting 'Mrs Kendall Clark', a taller variety with elegant grey-violet flowers and foliage that turns red before winter. She's a perfect companion to roses, lavender and other herbaceous plants, thriving in sun or part shade in moist soil. "You'd think that would be enough, but geraniums are addictive. I'm already eyeing up G. phaeum 'Samobor' for a shady patch. With its dusky maroon flowers and beautifully marked foliage, there's always room for one more." Garden expert Diarmuid Gavin has listed the top things, that keen gardeners should be doing in their garden this week below. The information is all in his own words. What to do in your garden this week With hotter temperatures, keeping plants, particularly those in pots and containers, well hydrated is the main priority. It's good seed-sowing time – sow ornamental annual flowers straight into the ground and succession sow summer veg like lettuce, radish, beetroot and spring onion so you'll have an ongoing supply. Take softwood cuttings. The tender new growth of many plants will root easily, for instance fuchsia, hydrangea, lavender. Cut beneath a leaf node where there is a concentration of growth hormones, trim leaves and dip in some rooting powder and plant in pot. How's your compost heap looking? Turn it over to air it and add some moisture if it is too dry. Water peas and beans as they are starting to flower so will be particularly thirsty as they form pods. Carrot seedlings will also need thinning. Fruit in pots will be calling out for a high-potash liquid feed and those in the ground will like a sprinkle of slow release fertiliser. Protect developing fruits from birds with netting. Hot sunny days can cause overheating in the greenhour. Keep vents and windows open during the day and check plants daily for watering. Damp down on very hot days with a hose to increase humidity. Lilies need staking now. Oriental poppies look amazing – briefly – but after their spectacular flowering, cut them back and you might just get another flush of flowers. Harvest salads and radishes and continue to sow them in fortnightly batches.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Tiny abandoned UK village where no one can enter without special permission
Stanford, a deserted village and civil parish in Norfolk, was taken over by the British Army during the Second World War and can only be accessed with permission A Norfolk village can only be accessed with special permission from the military. Stanford, an abandoned village and civil parish in the English county, was seized by the British Army during World War II. It was subsequently dubbed the Stanford Battle Area, and to this day, it serves as an active infantry training ground. The village was evacuated and reformed in 1942 to mimic a 'Nazi village', playing a crucial role in the preparations for the D-Day invasion. In 2009, an additional section was incorporated into the Battle Area to train troops set to be deployed in the Afghan war, as previously reported by the Mirror. This section comprises houses, a market, a mosque, and even a system that emits odours such as rotten meat and sewage. The 16 Air Assault Brigade conducts their annual Gryphon exercises there, along with cadets aiming to complete Fieldcraft exercises. Located seven and a half miles north of Thetford and 25 miles southwest of Norwich, the village lies within a restricted area, and visitors must obtain special permission from the Army to enter. Access is primarily limited to a handful of tours throughout the year and on compassionate grounds for former residents or their relatives. Live fire drills are conducted on site, so entering at your own risk could have serious repercussions. Structures like the parish church of All Saints are equipped with blast-proofing sheeting to shield them from military operations. Each of the surviving churches and churchyards in the region is enclosed by wire fencing. Stanford is one of six Norfolk villages unceremoniously abandoned during the Second World War, with villagers promised a return post-war that never happened. West Tofts, Sturston, Langford, Stanford, Buckenham Tofts, and Tottington were all evacuated and have since remained in military hands. Yet, despite continuing as an active military zone known as Stanford Training Area, the 2001 census clocked a tiny population of just eight souls residing within four households over an expansive 5.26 square miles. And still, in 2011 the census data pointed to fewer than 100 inhabitants, leading Stanford to be administratively swallowed up by the civil parish of Croxton. The name 'Stanford' itself harks back to its origins, meaning "stony ford". The village's battle area has even had its brush with fame, serving as a backdrop for select episodes of the beloved comedy series 'Dad's Army'. In more recent memory, the village has been troubled by two significant fires. A calamitous event occurred on August 21, 2005, when five cottages overlooking Church Green became engulfed in flames originating from a dormant chimney fire which ferociously spread throughout their thatched roofs. Another blaze wreaked havoc on July 6, 2013, tearing through the storied walls and upper floors of the local haunt, the Horse and Jockey pub.
