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These hardy plants prove you don't need sunshine or constant watering to create a lush, thriving garden
Struggling to find plants for a dry, shady spot in your garden? While shade is often thought of as damp, areas beneath trees, alongside fences and walls, or under roof overhangs can be surprisingly dry. Known as 'dry shade', these challenging conditions require plants that can cope with both limited sunlight and a lack of moisture.
Fortunately, there are plenty of attractive varieties that do exactly that. These drought-tolerant plants will thrive in dry shade while bringing colour, texture and year-round interest to your garden. House Beautiful asked two plant experts about the best varieties to choose and how to care for them.
Astrantias come in a range of colours from white to deep red, making for a striking garden display. ‘Typically, they prefer soil that doesn't dry out completely, so regular mulching is necessary, particularly in warmer months,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies. ‘Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush of blooms and keep plants looking their best throughout summer.’
Foxgloves thrive in dappled shade and benefit from consistently moist, well-drained soil. ‘Allow some flower spikes to set seed after flowering if you'd like plants to spread naturally and return year after year,’ Nigel suggests. ‘Foxgloves are a great food source for pollinators, particularly bees and other beneficial insects.’
Dryopteris is one of the few ferns to tolerate dry shade, and it is also one of the easiest ferns to grow. ‘It benefits from having old fronds removed in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges,’ says Nigel. ‘An annual mulch of compost or leaf mould will help maintain soil moisture and encourage healthy foliage.’
A popular ground-cover plant, hardy geraniums are a brilliant choice for those tricky, dry corners of the garden. Once established, they’re remarkably drought tolerant, while many varieties thrive in partial or even full shade. They're also beloved by pollinators.
'Hardy geraniums are bee and butterfly magnets full of nectar and pollen,' says Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress. 'They also bloom for months and need very little maintenance. Cutting back hard after the first flush of flowers will encourage a second bloom for late season.'
Fatsia is a low-maintenance evergreen that is great for adding structure and form: ‘It thrives in sheltered, shady positions. Simply remove any damaged or weather-worn leaves as needed,’ advises Nigel.
Heucheras are a good choice for dry shade and are available in a range of vibrant colours. ‘They are low-maintenance plants but they perform best when planted in well-drained soil,’ says Nigel. ‘Apply a mulch annually every spring to help retain moisture and protect the crown during periods of dry weather. It’s also important to remove any tired or damaged leaves.’
Japanese anemones are easy-going plants that appreciate moisture-retentive soil. ‘They are a great choice for long flowering and popular for adding late summer colour,’ says Nigel.
Taller varieties may need light support in exposed gardens, while deadheading can help prolong the flowering display.
This is a popular choice for evergreen foliage that also makes for reliable ground cover for supressing weeds. As Nigel explains: ‘It requires very little attention once established, but it's worth trimming back any wandering stems every spring to keep growth neat and prevent it spreading beyond its allotted space. Water regularly during the first growing season to help plants establish strong roots.’
With elegant flowers that appear from winter into early spring, Hellebores are a beautiful and resilient choice for shady, drought-prone spots. 'Often flowering in late winter or early spring, hellebores offer early colour and are appreciated among gardeners for their hardiness and long-lasting blooms,' says Chris.
Once established, they cope well with dry conditions and thrive in dappled or partial shade, making them perfect for underplanting.
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