Plants for a north-facing garden make the most of a spot that gets little direct sun. Chosen well, a cool, shaded aspect grows lush, healthy foliage that hotter gardens struggle to match.
A north-facing garden or border sits in the shade for much of the day, getting only weak, indirect light and staying cooler and more moist than a sunny plot. That sounds like a limitation, but it suits a whole group of plants that resent hot sun, and it tends to grow foliage that is greener, larger and more lush.
The plants here are chosen to thrive with little direct light. Ferns, big-leaved perennials and shade-tolerant evergreens all do well, giving a north-facing spot a cool, woodland feel. The soil stays damper here, so it pairs naturally with plants that like steady moisture. A few will even take the reflected light of a north wall better than you might expect.
All grown for UK gardens and sent out well rooted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shade-tolerant plants do best: ferns, big-leaved perennials and evergreens that cope with little direct sun. The cooler, moister conditions suit them well and often produce lusher foliage than a sunny spot would.
Not at all, it just suits different plants. Sun-lovers will struggle, but a wide range of shade-tolerant plants thrive there, and the cooler, damper conditions mean less watering in summer.
Some, especially in summer when the sun rises and sets further north, so the edges of the garden can catch early and late light. For most of the day, though, plan for shade and choose plants to match.
Ferns, ivies and shade-tolerant climbers all cope with a north wall, along with big-leaved perennials at its base. They give a cool, green, textured look without needing direct sun.
