Five low-maintenance plants for shady corners

Most gardens have a corner the sun barely reaches — under trees, beside a fence or along the north side of the house. Instead of fighting it, fill it with plants that actually prefer the shade.

Our five favourites

Hardy ferns bring texture and stay green for most of the year. Hostas give bold leaves in every shade from blue to lime. Hellebores flower in late winter when nothing else does. Epimedium spreads into a neat, weed-smothering carpet, and Japanese forest grass lights up dark spots with its golden arching leaves.

Prepare the soil first

Shady ground under trees is often dry and full of roots. Dig in plenty of leaf mould or compost when planting, water well through the first summer, and mulch every spring.

Layer for interest

Mix leaf shapes and heights rather than colours — shade gardens look best when bold, feathery and grassy foliage sit side by side. Add spring bulbs underneath for early colour before the canopy fills in.