Plant list: Plants for shade Shady areas of the garden needn't be dull as there are lots of attractive plants that will thrive in low light conditions.  Latin name: Osmunda regalis  Common name: Royal fern  Type of plant: Fern  Hardiness: Hardy  Flower colour: N/A  Leaf colour: Bright green  Height and spread: 2m x 1m (6.6ft x 3.3ft)  Description: This handsome deciduous fern has bright green fronds. In summer, rust-brown fertile fronds appear, which look a bit like flowers. Needs moist soil.  Latin name: Vinca  Common name: Periwinkle  Type of plant: Ground cover  Hardiness: Hardy  Flower colour: Purple-blue  Leaf colour: Dark green  Height and spread: 30cm x 1m (1ft x 3.3ft)  Description: These evergreens make useful ground cover in shady spots. They are vigorous growers so cut them back hard each spring to keep them under control.  Latin name: Mahonia  Common name: Mahonia  Type of plant: Shrub  Hardiness: Hardy  Flower colour: Bright yellow  Leaf colour: Dark green  Height and spread: 1m x 1.5m (3.3ft x 4.9ft)  Description: These evergreen shrubs have attractive spiky leaves which are loved by flowers arrangers. In winter, they bear scented, yellow flowers which are followed by bluish fruits.  Latin name: Camellia  Common name: Camellia  Type of plant: Shrub  Hardiness: Frost-hardy  Flower colour: White to pink or red  Leaf colour: Dark green  Height and spread: 5m x 4m(17ft x 13.1ft)  Description: Well known for their colourful flowers which brighten the garden in spring. They need acid soil to thrive. Can be grown in containers of ericaceous compost.  Latin name: Helleborus foetidus  Common name: Stinking hellebore  Type of plant: Hardy perennial  Hardiness: Hardy  Flower colour: Green  Leaf colour: Deep green  Height and spread: 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft)  Description: Easy to grow, even in dry shade this tough evergreen perennial bears green flowers in winter. Cut out stems after they have flowered.

Related plant lists: Plants for shade Plants for partial shade Plants for sunny areas