Problems in shade gardens are normally due to the lack of light, water or food.<\/p>\n
In addition to low light levels, plants growing in the shade must compete with shading trees for nutrients and water and tolerate poor air circulation.<\/p>
The first active step is to ensure your plants have adequate water and this means that you do have to provide them with enough water to grow and flower.<\/p>\n
Often most water is absorbed by the trees providing the shade and less is available to the smaller plants.<\/p>
Regular mulching and liberal composting will help to loosen the soil and help retain moisture.<\/p>\n
Secondly, large trees also take most of the available nutrients in the soil, creating tough competition for shade shrubs and ground covers.<\/p>\n
Feeding regularly is a must at least three of four times through summer.<\/p>\n
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Forest bell bush<\/strong><\/p>\n The indigenous Mackaya bella, also known as the forest bell bush, will grow in total shade and are perfect for right up against the boundary where they will form a sold screen blocking out walls or neighbours.<\/p>\n Growing just over two metres round, they flower each spring to early summer with white-tinged lilac flowers and flower in bunches, making quite a spectacular show each year. Being water wise and hardy makes them the must-have shade plant in any garden.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Philodendron<\/strong><\/p>\n Often confused with a delicious monster, the philodendron is one of the most practical plants to grow in the shade. Needing very little care and attention, they add a touch of the jungle feel. Look for different varieties such as the dwarf Xanadu, which will grow around one square metre. The multi-stemmed hope has large leaves which are often used in tropical arrangements and the giant selloum which will grow over two metres high makes a serious statement in the shade.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fatsia<\/strong><\/p>\n Also called a Japanese aralia they will grow indoors as well as on a shady patio. Plant one in the back to middle of the garden bed where they will grow up and spread their leaves to look like an umbrella. They get a small cluster of white flowers through late summer which pushes up through the umbrella. They recover very quickly if treated badly and with a good cutback they re-shoot fast and look lush.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Azaleas<\/strong><\/p>\n The most popular flowering shade plants are the acid-loving rhododendrons, also known as evergreen azaleas. Rhododendrons also make excellent container plants or in the garden as part of a border. Rhododendrons create a picture in the early spring when they are smothered in blooms. They are available in a wide range of colours. The best position for your rhododendron is towards the edge of a bed where the shade is not as deep.<\/p>\n\n