We have already published an article about sun and heat resistant plants, hopefully you have read it and remember it. But also thosePlants for garden in the shadeFinding plants that thrive in shade can also be a thorny challenge. Today we want to introduce you to a selection of the best indoor plants that will help you decorate your terraces, courtyards and patios. Below are some of the best plants for shady areas. I have had a successful experience with such plants and can honestly vouch for their reliability. In other words, these are some hardy plants, people! Let's get started now!
Plants for gardens in the shade – Japanese snake beard
Some call it the “main product” of contemporary gardens. With its dark, long leaves and modern silhouette, this sturdy plant is often used as a ground cover for shady areas, as shown below. Japanese snakebeard grows on hills but also creates a wonderful green texture in your yard or garden.
The dwarf varieties of Japanese snakebeard can also be used to add interest along the walkway or path with stepping stones. Just fill the cracks and watch this plant grow quickly!
Japanese snakebeard is drought tolerant and does not require mowing. However, it does not spread quickly, so if you want to achieve a lush look (see below), you will need to plant these grasses close together.
You may be thinking thisPlants for garden in the shadeare only suitable for the floor? Guess it again! Snake's beard can also be grown in containers, especially if you don't overwater it. Think about the cinder block bench I show in this post. I planted this grass to fill the planter. This plant can actually do quite well in sunny spots, but it really prefers the shade, at least in my hot and humid garden. An example: The Japanese snake beard is on the sunny side of mineTerracedidn't survive!
Plants for gardens in the shade – Coinwort
The coin herb, also known as penny herb, is one of those fabulous plants that thrives well in the sun, but also in the shade! This ground cover grows quickly and produces beautiful olive green leaves that will enhance the look of your outdoor space.
As with the Japanese Snakebeard, this plant grows in great abundance and is very suitable for the space betweenstepping stones. The coin herb brings that vibrant dose of green so much needed and adds a bit of contrast to the gray and beige of the gravel and stone.
Did you know that the coin weed also hangs down? It looks beautiful, doesn't it! Use it to add more interest to the containers on the porch or patio.
One of the fewPlants for garden in the shadeOne that survives the hot summer and cold winter well where I live is the pendulous pennywort. I bring all of my potted plants indoors when it's freezing outside, but somehow a few of them can't always wait for the winter season to end. But the hardy coin herb always grows well. If you have a shady, sunny or patchy area on your patio, this plant is the perfect solution for it. In fact, because of its ability to thrive anywhere, you might be tempted to neglect it. But don't forget to water it regularly, okay?
Plants for gardens in the shade – bow hemp
Want to add some height and drama to your shady spot? That would be possible with bow hemp! A popular choice for modern homes, this structurally interesting plant can thrive in low light locations but also in sunny conditions if the weather doesn't get too hot.
You've probably seen bow hemp in commercial interiors, bank and hotel lobbies. But this is also a great houseplant. But you can definitely enjoy them outdoors too. As shown below, the bow hemp plant provides height just at the border.
And because it thrives in shade, arched hemp is ideal for planters and containers against the outside wall of your home, even if it's covered by the roof.
Personally, I don't have any bow hemp at home yet. But I think this is a good choice for the patio and I'm going to buy a few of these plants this weekend. A few important tips: never overwater this plant! Allow the bow hemp to dry out between watering. This plant also loves the warm weather. When the outside temperature drops below 4 degrees, it is best to bring this plant indoors.
Plants for garden in the shade – Sword fern
The sword fern is the first houseplant that my husband and I bought for our house here as a newlyweds! Now it is still on our terrace in a perfect shady spot. You've probably seen the sword fern on the porch! Wonderful, isn't it? These plants look great in hanging flower pots!
They are also ideal for lining steps leading up to the front door, as shown below.
Sword ferns are striking border plants that create a lush, full look. As already mentioned, they thrive in places with little light, but they also need enough moisture. Provide them with plenty of water is key to their growth, but make sure these plants don't get excessive amounts of water.
Sword ferns tend to droop over their containers, adding a strong presence to your outdoor space. I really enjoy looking at my plant and enjoying the view as the full foliage provides an interesting contrast to the slender shape of the flower stand!
Plants for garden in the shade–Various succulents
Finally, we would like to introduce you to some succulents, especially the small varieties that are often grown in modern planters. Yes, succulents love the sun. But they can also thrive on terraces and verandas if these areas are not too dark.
Everyone always talks about how easy these plants are to care for and how impossible to eradicate them. But I'll be honest, that's not exactly my experience with succulents! Quite a few have died under my care, despite all my caution in watering them. But right now I still have three containers of succulents in my garden that somehow survived. I love her and I won't give up on taking care of her. Persistence is the key here. Finally, you have to find the right combination of light, water and soil!
My personal studies aside, it's clear succulents are ideal for modern spaces, including those shady indoor areas. A helpful tip: it is very important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Wet succulents are “unhappy”; they cannot thrive at all!
Plant your succulents directly in the ground or maintain them in containers. I would recommend trying to transplant them from a container into a similar area. Maybe you intend to plant a whole range of succulents there. If the plant doesn't do well there, try another location. Consult an expert at your local florist for advice on specific succulent varieties that do best in shade. There's nothing more beautiful than a gorgeous cluster of succulents on a modern patio!
If you live in an area where squirrels are abundant, keep this in mind: these small animals may be tempted to eat your succulents. Therefore, be prepared to move them to a less accessible location if the need arises. And since we're talking about animals, I can't forget about pets! If you have pets, do a little research to make sure your outdoor plants are safe for pets and small children. Yes, plants can be toxic to living things if ingested. But with a little planning, you can make just the right choices and spruce up your outdoor space! We wish you many pleasant hours with your outdoor plants!
Succulents in the garden
Sword flag next to the garden path
Coin herb
Japanese snake beard
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