SERIES 36 | Episode 35

Sophie shares some of her favourite plants for growing in shade.

While shade can pose a challenge for some gardens, it also provides valuable cool spaces and habitat for wildlife.

Some shade plants can be invasive, causing problems. If you can, avoid Oyster plant ( Acanthus mollis ), Dietes, and English Ivy, which can all take over an become problematic.

SOPHIE'S SUGGESTIONS

Clivia

Dark green strappy leaves with large flowerheads of orange, lemon, cream or red in late winter-early spring. Don’t mind root competition and can handle dry summers.

Bergenia or Elephant’s Ears

Large, leathery leaves that make a good groundcover or border plant, and winter flower spikes or white or pink flowers; some cultivars have burgundy foliage.

Hellebores

Attractive foliage

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