Twenty vegetation options perfect for areas with modest sunlight exposure

Lush Greenery for those Tricky Spots

Got a spot where the sun don't shine much? Whether it's under a creepin' ivy or a loomin' building, a little gardening know-how can turn those gloomy areas into stunning showcases.

Stay away from heavy leafers like rodgersia and hostas in dry shade, as they'll hog all that scant water like a greedy kid with a candy store. Instead, opt for these fabulous florals that'll thrive in those tricky, arid conditions.

Plant Grins for Shade:

Japanese anemones: Long-lasting beauties with pink, white, and yellow blossoms in late summer and autumn. Go find 'em at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Astrantias: Perky, spiky blooms from June to August, come in a range of colors from pink to deep red. They may require a bit of TLC in dry spots, but they're worth it. Get yours at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae: A fast-growing wood spurge that shows off vivid lime flowers in late spring. Perfect for those dry spots hiding under a tree. Get yours at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Fatsia japonica: A dramatic, exotic-looking shrub with oversized, glossy leaves. Great for evergreen cover and eventually making a fabulous plant. Snag one at Suttons, Crocus, or Thompson & Morgan.
Hellebores: Sumptuous flowers in shades of pink, white, plum, and near-black, appear in winter. They're an invaluable asset in any garden, especially in the dry shade. Check out Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Hydrangeas: These colorful bloomers love shade and even put on a show under trees. Prune 'em in spring and enjoy the faded flower heads through winter. Grab 'em at Suttons, Crocus, or Thompson & Morgan.
Ivy: Classic, versatile, and synonymous with shade. Choose English ivy for ground cover or wall adornment, or opt for Boston ivy for a similar effect. Suttons, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan have you covered.
Ivy-leafed cyclamen: Perfect for growing under trees, these tiny shuttlecock-like flowers appear in early autumn. Suttons, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan have 'em in stock.
Lily of the valley: This fragrant flower with tiny, waxy bells is surprisingly tough and forms dense ground cover, even in those low-light areas. Check out Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Lily turf: A tough perennial that copes even in the darkest, driest spots. Its purple blooms are a fantastic addition to autumn gardens. Get yours at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Pheasant grass: A versatile grass with bronze-green foliage and copper and gold flowers in late spring. It self-seeds freely and is perfect for dry spots under trees. Find it at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Pyracantha 'Soleil d'Or': These evergreen shrubs boast zesty, glowing berries in autumn. Train 'em against a north-facing wall for maximum effect. Get yours at Thompson & Morgan.
Skimmia japonica subsp. reevesiana: Bright berries that stay put through winter, cheering up gloomy spots. Grab 'em at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Snowdrops: These little white flowers do exceptionally well in shade and are particularly happy under deciduous trees. Check out Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Thalictrums: Airy, starry blooms, with some species reaching up to a meter in height, and others staying around 20cm. Suttons, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan have plenty to choose from.
Viburnum tinus: This evergreen foliage has white flowers from April to December, with trimmed lower leaves revealing its beautiful, natural stems. Suttus, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan are the places to go.
Wood anemones: Native anemones create carpets of spring flowers beneath trees. Look for pink-flushed blooms at Crocus or Thompson & Morgan.
Geranium macrorrhizum: A beautiful geranium with delicate flowers that bloom for months. Colors like 'Spessart' and 'Ingwersen's Variety' are a must-see. Suttus, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan have 'em for sale.
Dryopteris: Many species, like Dryopteris wallichiana, can be grown in dry shade. Take a peek at this video guide on growing ferns in dry shade to get started. Suttus, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan sell a variety of ferns and dryopteris.
Epimediums: These easy-to-care-for perennials thrive in dry soil and do well with plants like hellebores and spring bulbs. Choose acidic soil for best results. Suttus, Crocus, and Thompson & Morgan have plenty to offer.

Nurture those shade-dwellers:

Improve the soil in those dry shady spots before planting. Incorporate plenty of organic matter like leaf mould or garden compost to make the soil more water-retentive, and give those little sun-haters the best chance at thriving.

In the home-and-garden realm, incorporating plants that flourish in dimmer conditions can significantly enhance the lifestyle appeal of a garden, even for those tricky, arid spots. For instance, consider planting hellebores, with their sumptuous winter flowers, or the lily of the valley, known for its delicate ground cover in low-light areas.