Four flowers gardeners urged to plant that thrive in shade with little attention

WHILE SUNLIGHT IS ESSENTIAL FOR PLANTS TO GROW, SOME SPECIES ARE ABLE TO THRIVE IN LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS 09:34, 29 May 2025 Growing your own plants can be an incredibly time-consuming

process. Thankfully, there are some shade-loving blooms which require minimal attention to flourish in your garden. One of the primary challenges faced when growing flowers in the UK is the

unpredictable weather. Britain is notorious for its inconsistent sunshine and can experience rather disappointing summers. Some of us have gardens that aren't ideally situated to

receive ample sunlight. Luckily, there are certain flower species that actually favour shady conditions. Whilst sunlight is essential for flowers to photosynthesise and grow, excessive

exposure can actually be detrimental to some plants, leading to problems such as leaf scorch, wilting and dryness. Interestingly, numerous plants have evolved to prosper in low-light

environments. This is due to their ability to optimise light absorption through features like thinner, wider leaves and the utilisation of red spectrum light, reports the Mirror. So, which

flowers should you cultivate that thrive in the shade? Home and Gardens recommends four flowers that require little sunlight or care:. WILD GINGER Renowned for its glossy deep green foliage,

wild ginger is an excellent choice for shaded gardens. It spreads across your garden floor, leaving scant room for weeds, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. However, it's important

to note that wild ginger differs significantly from culinary ginger in several aspects. Most importantly, it can be toxic if consumed without proper preparation. WILD GERANIUM These vibrant

blooms are sure to inject a splash of colour into any garden, even in areas that receive limited sunlight. Although originally from North America, they can thrive in UK gardens. According to

Home and Gardens, "They are remarkably adaptable to a wide range of climates and situations, growing just fine in both shade and sun." However, for those in chillier climates,

some sunlight is recommended. PERIWINKLE As an evergreen, periwinkle will spread across your garden floor, producing a stunning display of small blue flowers. It tends to grow rapidly.

Periwinkle flourishes in full shade, making it a popular choice for planting beneath shrubs and trees. However, it's worth noting that it produces more flowers in sunnier conditions.

Article continues below JAPANESE SPURGE This beautiful plant provides year-round coverage with minimal upkeep, boasting delicate, waxy green leaves that are a sight to behold. These plants

can thrive with limited sunlight. However, Home and Gardens advise that they can be "slow to get going" and may take a year or two to fully establish themselves in your garden.