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Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

hostashade plantfoliage plantmoisture-lovingperennial

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full shade, Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
50–90 cm
Spread
60–120 cm
Hardiness zone
3–9
Family
Asparagaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white, lavender
Wildlife value
bees

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial to full shade in moist, nutrient-rich soil. Keep the soil moist, particularly during hot summers. Apply a generous layer of compost in spring. Protect against slugs using pellets or copper rings.

Pruning tips

Remove flower stems after blooming if you prefer a tidy look. Clear away dead foliage in late autumn to reduce hiding spots for slugs.

Good companions

Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm
Dark green ivy leaves covering an old stone wallClimbers

Hedera helix

Common Ivy

Common Ivy is an evergreen climber that uses aerial roots to cover walls, fences, and trees. Its dark green, glossy leaves provide year-round greenery. Mature plants flower in autumn with inconspicuous green-yellow blooms that are an important late food source for bees and insects.

Full shadeMedium0–600 cm
Neatly trimmed yew hedge in a green gardenTrees

Taxus baccata

English Yew

English Yew is an evergreen conifer used both as a freestanding tree and as a formal hedge. Its dark green needles are densely packed and form an impenetrable screen. Female trees bear striking red berries in autumn. All parts except the berry flesh are poisonous.

Full shadeMedium1000–2000 cm