If your garden gets less sunlight than a DC movie, don’t worry, you can still grow amazing plants. It’s completely possible to create a beautiful garden even in areas with little sunlight.
Not every garden gets full sunlight all day, and that’s completely fine! Many gardens have spots that only get a bit of sun or stay shady for most of the day. Most gardeners don’t like to waste these shaded areas in the garden. To make use of your unused shady area, you can pick plants that are meant to grow in shade (maybe partial or full shade).
Understanding the Shade
Shade in gardening basically refers to areas that receive limited or indirect sunlight during the day. These are the main types of shade you’ll find in your garden.
| Shade Type | Sunlight per Day | Simple Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Shade | 3–6 hours | Gets direct sun for a few hours, usually in the morning or late afternoon. | Shade-tolerant |
| Dappled Shade (light shade) | Filtered, shifting light | Sunlight comes through tree leaves or gaps, making moving patches of light and shade. | Tolerant to mild loving |
| Full Shade | Less than 3 hours | Very little or no direct sunlight, stays mostly cool and shady all day. | True shade-loving |
Shade-tolerant plants can grow well in shady areas, but they grow stronger and perform better with more sunlight.
Shade-loving plants grow really well in places that don’t get much direct sunlight, they actually prefer the shade.
The weather in the UK isn't the same everywhere varies from region to region, some places are warmer, some are colder, and some get more rain. Because of this different weather, different shade-loving plants grow better in different places.
Best Fruit Plants/Trees for Shade in the UK
Growing fruit in shady garden spots can be tricky, but there are lots of fruit plants that can still grow well without much sunlight. No matter if your garden gets just a few hours of sun or has dappled shade, the UK climate has lots of good fruit options.
The table below shows you the best plants that you can grow in shady spots in your garden across different parts of the UK (region-wise), so you can pick ones that suit your area and garden space.
This can be your go-to resource for transforming shaded spaces into fruitful havens, no matter where you are in the UK.
| Region | Fruit Plant | Best Varieties | Shade Tolerance | Max Height | Min Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern England | Gooseberries (Berry) | Invicta, Hinnonmaki Red | Partial shade (3–6 hrs sun) | 1.5m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) |
| Redcurrants (Berry) | Jonkheer van Tets, Rovada | Partial shade | 1.8m | 2 years (Jul) | |
| Blackberries (Berry) | Loch Ness, Oregon Thornless | Partial or dappled shade | 2m (trained) | 2 years (Aug–Sep) | |
| Morello Cherry | Morello | Partial shade | 4m (bush), 2.5m (fan) | 3 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Rhubarb | Timperley Early, Victoria | Partial or full shade | 0.6m | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Scotland | Raspberries (Berry) | Autumn Bliss, Glen Ample | Partial shade | 1.8m | 2 years (Jul–Oct) |
| Blackcurrants (Berry) | Ben Connan, Ben Lomond | Partial shade | 1.5m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Tayberries (Berry) | Buckingham | Partial or dappled shade | 2m (trained) | 2 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Damson Plum | Farleigh, Shropshire Prune | Partial shade | 4m (bush), 3m (fan) | 3 years (Aug–Sep) | |
| Rhubarb | Timperley Early, Champagne | Partial or full shade | 0.6m | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Wales | Gooseberries (Berry) | Careless, Leveller | Partial shade | 1.5m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) |
| Blueberries (Berry) | Bluecrop, Duke | Partial shade | 1.8m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Morello Cherry | Morello | Partial shade | 4m (bush), 2.5m (fan) | 3 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Rhubarb | Victoria, Timperley Early | Partial or full shade | 0.6m | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Southern England | Strawberries (Berry) | Cambridge Favourite, Honeoye | Partial shade | 0.3m | 1 year (Jun–Jul) |
| Redcurrants (Berry) | Laxton’s No. 1, Stanza | Partial shade | 1.8m | 2 years (Jul) | |
| Morello Cherry | Morello | Partial shade | 4m (bush), 2.5m (fan) | 3 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Dwarf Apple | Discovery, Scrumptious | Partial shade | 2m (dwarf rootstock) | 3 years (Aug–Sep) | |
| East Anglia & Midlands | Blackcurrants (Berry) | Ben Sarek, Big Ben | Partial shade | 1.5m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) |
| Raspberries (Berry) | Malling Jewel, All Gold | Partial shade | 1.8m | 2 years (Jul–Oct) | |
| Gooseberries (Berry) | Pax, Greenfinch | Partial shade | 1.5m | 2 years (Jul–Aug) | |
| Damson Plum | Shropshire Prune, Merryweather | Partial shade | 4m (bush), 3m (fan) | 3 years (Aug–Sep) | |
| Rhubarb | Victoria, Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise | Partial or full shade | 0.6m | 2 years (Apr–Jun) |
You can grow a fruitful garden in shady spots across the UK by picking the right plants. No matter if you have a north-facing garden, a courtyard blocked by buildings, or a spot under trees, these are the best fruits and berries to grow in the shade for each UK region.
So, you can try these plants based on your region, they can give you a tasty harvest even in the darker corners of your garden.
Vegetables and Roots for Shade in the UK
Not every vegetable needs full sun to grow well, many popular crops actually grow well in partial or even full shade. This is great for UK gardeners who dealing with limited sunlight, shaded plots, or north-facing gardens.
The table below shows a region-by-region guide to veggies and root crops that handle shade, including when to plant them, how tall they get, and when you’ll get your first harvest.
| Region | Vegetable/Root Crop | Shade Tolerance | Best Planting Time | Max Height | Min Harvest Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern England | Spinach | Partial or full shade | Mar–May, Aug–Sep | 30cm | 6 weeks (May–Sep) |
| Kale | Partial shade | May–Jul | 90cm | 8 weeks (Aug–Mar) | |
| Beetroot | Partial shade | Apr–Jun | 40cm | 10 weeks (Jun–Oct) | |
| Leeks | Partial shade | Mar–May | 50cm | 20 weeks (Oct–Mar) | |
| Potatoes | Partial shade | Mar–Apr | 60cm | 12 weeks (Jun–Aug) | |
| Scotland | Lettuce | Partial or full shade | Mar–Jun, Aug–Sep | 30cm | 6 weeks (May–Sep) |
| Kale | Partial shade | May–Jul | 90cm | 8 weeks (Aug–Mar) | |
| Parsnips | Partial shade | Feb–Apr | 50cm | 20 weeks (Oct–Mar) | |
| Rhubarb | Partial or full shade | Oct–Mar (crowns) | 60cm | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Swede | Partial shade | May–Jun | 40cm | 20 weeks (Oct–Dec) | |
| Wales | Swiss Chard | Partial or full shade | Apr–Jun | 60cm | 8 weeks (Jun–Oct) |
| Spinach | Partial or full shade | Mar–May, Aug–Sep | 30cm | 6 weeks (May–Sep) | |
| Rhubarb | Partial or full shade | Oct–Mar (crowns) | 60cm | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Carrots (Baby) | Partial shade | Mar–Jun | 30cm | 10 weeks (Jun–Sep) | |
| Cabbage | Partial shade | Mar–May | 50cm | 12 weeks (Aug–Dec) | |
| Southern England | Lettuce | Partial or full shade | Mar–Jul | 30cm | 6 weeks (Apr–Sep) |
| Radishes | Partial shade | Mar–Aug | 20cm | 4 weeks (May–Aug) | |
| Beetroot | Partial shade | Mar–Jun | 40cm | 10 weeks (Jun–Oct) | |
| Peas | Partial shade | Mar–May | 90cm (with support) | 12 weeks (Jun–Aug) | |
| Broccoli | Partial shade | Apr–Jun | 90cm | 20 weeks (Feb–Apr) | |
| East Anglia & Midlands | Kale | Partial shade | May–Jul | 90cm | 8 weeks (Aug–Mar) |
| Lettuce | Partial or full shade | Mar–Jun, Aug–Sep | 30cm | 6 weeks (May–Sep) | |
| Turnips | Partial shade | Apr–Jul | 30cm | 8 weeks (Jul–Oct) | |
| Rhubarb | Partial or full shade | Oct–Mar (crowns) | 60cm | 2 years (Apr–Jun) | |
| Potatoes | Partial shade | Mar–Apr | 60cm | 12 weeks (Jun–Aug) |
These are some of the best vegetables and root crops you can grow in shady spots across different parts of the UK. Due to its climate, each region has its own set of plants that grow well with less sunlight, which is great for gardeners who don’t get full sun in their gardens.
Some plants, like spinach and lettuce, actually like shady spots. Root vegetables like beetroot and carrots also grow fine if they get a little bit of sun each day.
Best Flowers for Shade in the UK
Shady spots in the garden can still be awesome, you just need to choose the right flowers. Some plants actually grow better in less sun and can make those dark corners look amazing.
No matter if you live in the cool hills of Scotland or the warmer areas of Southern England, there are lots of beautiful flowers that grow well in shady spots. Picking the right flowers that suit your area helps them grow strong and bloom brightly.
The below table shows you what to plant in the shade, when to plant them, how tall they get, and when they will bloom, it's important to enjoy color in your garden all season.
| Region | Flower | Shade Tolerance | Best Planting Time | Max Height | Blooming Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern England | Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 1.5m | Jun–Aug (year 2) |
| Hosta | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.6m | Jul–Aug (year 1) | |
| Primrose (Primula vulgaris) | Partial shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.2m | Feb–Apr (year 1) | |
| Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep | 0.9m | Apr–Jun (year 1) | |
| Scotland | Foxglove | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 1.5m | Jun–Aug (year 2) |
| Lungwort (Pulmonaria) | Partial or full shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.3m | Mar–May (year 1) | |
| Primrose | Partial shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.2m | Feb–Apr (year 1) | |
| Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) | Partial or full shade | Sep–Oct (bulbs) | 0.15m | Mar–May (year 1) | |
| Wales | Hosta | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.6m | Jul–Aug (year 1) |
| Bleeding Heart | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep | 0.9m | Apr–Jun (year 1) | |
| Lungwort | Partial or full shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.3m | Mar–May (year 1) | |
| Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) | Partial or full shade | Aug–Sep (tubers) | 0.15m | Sep–Nov (year 1) | |
| Southern England | Primrose | Partial shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.2m | Feb–Apr (year 1) |
| Hosta | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.6m | Jul–Aug (year 1) | |
| Cyclamen | Partial or full shade | Aug–Sep (tubers) | 0.15m | Sep–Nov (year 1) | |
| Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis) | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 1.2m | Aug–Oct (year 1) | |
| East Anglia & Midlands | Lungwort | Partial or full shade | Sep–Oct or Mar–Apr | 0.3m | Mar–May (year 1) |
| Foxglove | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 1.5m | Jun–Aug (year 2) | |
| Wood Anemone | Partial or full shade | Sep–Oct (bulbs) | 0.15m | Mar–May (year 1) | |
| Japanese Anemone | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 1.2m | Aug–Oct (year 1) |
Many of these flowers are low-maintenance and perfect for cottage gardens, garden edges, or spots under trees with less sun. Some of these flowers bloom early in the year, bringing spring vibes into your garden when other plants are still snoozing.
Flowers like foxgloves, primroses, and hostas are awesome for shady gardens. They bring tons of color and bloom at different times, so your garden can look great for longer. Some even help attract bees and butterflies, which is always a bonus.
Ground Covers for Shade in the UK
There are many ground cover plants that grow well in the shade and need very little maintenance. These plants help fill up bare areas, keep weeds away, and add texture and color to your garden.
No matter if you're in Northern England, Scotland, Wales, Southern England, or the Midlands, there’s something that’ll grow well in your area.
The table below lists some awesome shade-loving ground covers for each region, perfect for your area and super easy to grow.
| Region | Ground Cover | Type | Shade Tolerance | Best Planting Time | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern England | Bugle (Ajuga reptans) | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m |
| Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Periwinkle (Vinca minor) | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m | |
| Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia ternata) | Perennial | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.15m | |
| Scotland | Bugle | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m |
| Sweet Woodruff | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) | Perennial | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.1m | |
| Lilyturf (Liriope muscari) | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Wales | Periwinkle | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m |
| Barren Strawberry | Perennial | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.15m | |
| Sweet Woodruff | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum) | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m | |
| Southern England | Creeping Jenny | Perennial | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.1m |
| Periwinkle | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m | |
| Dead Nettle | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m | |
| Ivy (Hedera helix) | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.2m | |
| East Anglia & Midlands | Bugle | Perennial | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.2m |
| Lilyturf | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Barren Strawberry | Perennial | Partial shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.15m | |
| Ivy | Evergreen | Partial or full shade | Mar–Apr or Sep–Oct | 0.2m |
These ground cover plants are pretty and super useful. They spread well, keep the soil safe, and light up shady garden spots. Most stay short, so they don’t block other plants, and lots come back yearly.
Pick the ones that grow well in your area and plant them at the right time, your garden will stay healthy and look great all year.
Best Herbs for Shade in the UK
You don’t always need a super sunny garden to grow tasty herbs. In fact, some herbs actually like a bit of shade. If you live in the UK and your garden gets only a few hours of sun, don’t worry, you can still grow a bunch of useful and fresh herbs in your garden, balcony, or windowsill.
Below is a helpful table that shows which herbs grow best in shade across different regions of the UK, how much sunlight they need, how tall they grow, and the best time to plant them.
| Region | Herb | Shade Tolerance | Best Time to Plant | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern England | Parsley | Partial shade (3–6 hrs sun) | Mar–Jul, Aug–Sep | 0.4m |
| Mint | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.6m | |
| Chives | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Lemon Balm | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.8m | |
| Scotland | Chives | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.3m |
| Mint | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.6m | |
| Parsley | Partial shade | Mar–Jul, Aug–Sep | 0.4m | |
| Sorrel | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.5m | |
| Wales | Mint | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.6m |
| Parsley | Partial shade | Mar–Jul, Aug–Sep | 0.4m | |
| Lemon Balm | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.8m | |
| Chervil | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Aug–Sep | 0.5m | |
| Southern England | Chives | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.3m |
| Mint | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.6m | |
| Parsley | Partial shade | Mar–Jul, Aug–Sep | 0.4m | |
| Chervil | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Aug–Sep | 0.5m | |
| East Anglia & Midlands | Lemon Balm | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.8m |
| Chives | Partial shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.3m | |
| Mint | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep | 0.6m | |
| Sorrel | Partial or full shade | Mar–May or Sep–Oct | 0.5m |
Different parts of the UK have different weather, but there are herbs that can grow well in most regions. Things like mint, parsley, and chives are great choices. They don’t need full sun and are easy to grow if you plant them at the right time.
When you grow herbs in shady areas, make sure the soil doesn’t hold too much water. It should drain nicely so the roots don’t get soggy.
Picking the right shade-tolerant herbs and planting them at the right time of year, you can enjoy fresh flavors for cooking, teas, and more all season long.
This article contains both shade-tolerant and shade-loving plants. If you're planting in a garden with heavy or full shade, go for shade-loving plants. Shade-tolerant ones are better for dappled or partial shade.
