One of the biggest joys in gardening is getting to know your plot – every nook, every patch of sun, every shady corner and damp dip. And once you know those spots, you unlock a world of planting potential. Let’s learn about sun and shade planting.
Working with your garden’s natural quirks rather than against them is the key to success. Magic happens when you plant the right plant in the right place – plants grow better, look better, and need far less fuss from you.
Gardening across different environments not only gives you a more interesting and diverse display, but it also keeps things exciting. There’s always something new to try, another spot to fill, and another plant to fall in love with.
And the good news? There’s an incredible range of plants for every corner of the garden – many of which you’ll find in our New Plants, which you can check out here!
Why Plants Grow Well in Different Light and Soil Scenarios
All plants have evolved to thrive in specific environments – some bask in sunshine, others flourish under leafy shade, and some love nothing more than damp, boggy roots. By planting according to these preferences, you not only make gardening easier, you create a healthier, more natural and more resilient garden.
Gardening across varied conditions lets you paint with a broader palette – airy sun lovers here, lush shade dwellers there, bold bog plants around the pond. And because every corner offers something unique, you’ll always have something exciting to plant, nurture and enjoy.
What Varieties Grow Well in Full Sun in the Garden?
Full sun can be intense, but with the right plants, it’s where you’ll get the boldest colour and longest-lasting blooms. Here are some sun worshippers you’ll love growing:
- Lavender – Fragrant, hardy, and adored by pollinators.
- Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ – Long-flowering and drought-tolerant.
- Coreopsis – Sunny yellow daisies with non-stop blooms.
- Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ – Evergreen with months of purple flowers.
- Oleander – Mediterranean flair and blooms galore.
Top tip: Make sure to water these regularly while they establish and avoid overly rich soils that encourage too much leaf growth over flowers.
What Varieties Grow Well in Shade in the Garden?
Shade doesn’t have to mean dull! There’s a whole world of shade-loving stunners that’ll brighten those darker spots:
- Heuchera – Stunning foliage colours and flowers for pollinators, these adore partial shade
- Ferns – Hardy, architectural and ideal for texture
- Hosta – Bold foliage in a range of greens and blues
- Astilbe – Feathery plumes and great for damp shade
Most shade plants prefer moist, well-drained soil and benefit from a mulch of leaf mould or compost to keep them happy.
What Varieties Aren’t Bothered by Sun or Shade?
Some plants are marvellously easy-going, adapting happily to a variety of light conditions:
- Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – A real trooper, flowering for months
- Alchemilla mollis – Soft green leaves and frothy lime flowers
- Campanula – Spreads gently and flowers beautifully
- Hardy Fuchsias – Happy in sun or part shade with a bit of shelter
These are great for spots that get dappled light or change throughout the day.
Varieties That Thrive in Damp Garden Conditions
Got a soggy patch? Don’t panic – use it! Damp soils can support some real beauties:
- Hosta – Loves moisture and partial shade
- Iris sibirica – Striking blue or purple flower in early summer
- Astilbe – Perfect for adding colour and height to wet ground
- Candelabra Primulas – Eye-catching tiers of colour in spring
These are ideal around ponds or in naturally boggy spots—just be sure they don’t dry out.
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