What are the easiest low-maintenance plants for shady areas?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Low Maintenance Plants for Shady Areas The shady areas of your garden can be filled with glorious plants that require very little care. Ajuga will spread rapidly to choke out weeds, while the Vinca Minor will provide a covering of evergreen leaves. Easy-care plants that thrive with minimal help! Trying to keep a garden tidy? Here are some simple rules to help you!
Self-sufficient gardening is possible through careful plant selection, which minimises our labour. Select plants that are known to thrive in your specific light conditions. Consider also the habit of growing plants to reduce the need for pruning, training, and positioning of the fence border. Stick to tough, self-protecting species, and the self-maintaining garden is well on its way to becoming established.
Ajuga
- Forms dense 4-6 inch tall mats that naturally block weeds
- Thrives in dry shade under trees once roots establish
- Resists slugs and insects with thick protective leaves
Vinca Minor
- Evergreen foliage provides year round coverage in zones 4-9
- Spreads 1-2 feet yearly without pruning or special care
- Deer resistant with lavender spring blooms that self clean
Bigroot Geranium
- Survives weeks without water after establishment period
- Produces pink summer flowers needing no deadheading
- Woody scented foliage naturally deters common garden pests
Brunnera
- Heart shaped silver veined leaves resist slug damage
- Perennial in zones 3-8 with minimal feeding requirements
- Spring blue flowers fade cleanly without maintenance
Design with maintenance reduction in mind. Group plants with similar water needs. Use ground covers instead of mulch. Incorporate gravel paths for easy access. These approaches minimize weeding watering and other routine gardening tasks in shaded areas.
Seasonal care is low on these tough plants. Bigroot Geranium does not need winter protection in zones 4-8. Vinca Minor grows evergreen even in the winter. Ajuga only needs spring cleaning. This means that there is a significant reduction in yearly care.
The location of plants in the garden will influence their care needs. Plant drought-tolerant plants, like Geranium, in dry shade beneath trees. Plant moisture-loving plants, like Brunnera, in the damper spots on the north side. Matching plants to their microclimates will guarantee natural success.
Read the full article: 10 Best Flowers for Shade Gardens
