Plants for shade with summer shades of pink
This sustainable planting combination provides inspiration for planting in shade conditions to enjoy summer flowers in a range of pinks, with foliage interest throughout the year
Quick facts
- Low light levels are often created by established trees and shrubs, so can go hand-in-hand with drier soil conditions
- Choosing plants suitable for the conditions promotes good plant health
- An effective planting plan can help to create depth, interest and environmental benefits
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The planting plan
This planting design provides a range of plants that, once established, will give summer flowers in a range of pinks, and interest throughout the year, in a shady location.
Plants for partial shade with a pink theme
Choosing plants for shade with summer interest
The plants have been selected because their preferred conditions is partial shade. By using plants that are naturally adapted to this setting, we can reduce the potential problems that are more likely to occur when using plants that are not so well suited.
Once established, the Bistorta, Geranium and Saxifraga act as groundcover and protect against soil surface erosion. They will also make it harder for weed seeds to germinate.
While waiting for the plants to fill out, an organic mulch, preferably homemade compost, will help in the same way. Ideally, spread the mulch when the soil is moist as this will lock it in before drier summer weather.
The Hydrangea, Bistorta and Geranium are also good for attracting pollinators into the garden, helping to increase natural biodiversity.
1 – Weigela florida ‘Foliis Purpureis’
2 - Hydrangea paniculata ‘Big Ben’
3 – Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’
4 – Bistorta amplexicaulis ‘Fat Domino’
5 – Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’
6 – Saxifraga x urbium
2 – Hydrangea paniculata ‘Big Ben’ is a deciduous shrub with light green leaves and red-purple young stems. Flower heads are conical clusters of scented flowers that are a light green, paling to green-white, then maturing to deep pink.
3 – Thalictrum ‘Black Stockings’ is an herbaceous perennial with lacy foliage and upright, near-black stems bearing generous sprays of fluffy, bright mauve-pink flowers in mid- to late summer.
4 – Bistorta amplexicaulis ‘Fat Domino’ is a semi-evergreen perennial forming a mound of oval leaves. Spikes of deep blood-red flowers open on branched stems from mid-summer to late autumn.
5 – Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ is an herbaceous perennial with aromatic, deeply lobed green leaves. It has pale pink flowers with contrasting deeper pink centres, borne over a long period in early summer.
6 – Saxifraga x urbium is a spreading evergreen making a carpet of bright green rosettes of leaves. Dainty, pink-flushed white flowers are borne on erect stems, from early summer.
About shade gardening
A simple planting plan helps to create depth, interest and good coverage in a border.
The challenge of growing in shade
Shady conditions might also be dry if the shade is created by surrounding trees or shrubs, and it can be hard to plant in root-filled ground. Dry conditions make it tough for plants to establish, so even plants that are naturally suited should be monitored and watered during their first spring and summer while they establish.
Why choose a sustainable planting combination?
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