The best plants for a shady backyard
For all you green thumbs who are not blessed with sunny backyards (or just have that one frustrating heavily shaded spot in the garden), these shade loving plants will thrive in less-than-sunny conditions meaning you can still have a blooming, beautiful garden.
Related link - Top gardening tips from the Over60 community
Aspidistra is renowned for its hardiness tolerating both drought and shade conditions.
Camellia japonica, originating from Japan, camellias are hardy and easy to grow. They tolerate cooler conditions but love warmth.
Ferns of all kinds thrive in shady, moist and humid conditions. They do very well in pots too.
Palms are great for providing shade and also grow well in warm sheltered shade.
Clivea miniata love the shade and only require regular watering to keep them blooming. There are many new varieties available with red, cream and yellow flowers.
Related link – Part 2: Over60 community gardeners’ top tips
Begonia do best in a shady position and grow well in most areas of Australia.
Winter Daphne is a wonderfully fragrant flower that feels right at home in the shade.
Sweet Box of all forms are shade-loving. They’ll tolerate some morning sun but will wither in full sunlight.
Azaleas are great for shady spots, in tubs or under trees.
Rhododendron, depending on the variety, can do well in shady conditions.
Related links:
Why you should be “companion planting” in your garden