Plant selection

• Plant tall flowering shrubs to bring a splash of colour to a dull corner or to make a shady border come to life. Hydrangea macrophylla or Rosa Rugosa will suit. More shrub ideas
• Taller perennials and other to consider include Astible, Lilies, Ligularia or Foxglove.
• Hostas and Hebes both do well in shade and if it is dry Eupohorbia polychroma and Iris foetidissima would work.
• Try something a bit architectural such as Bears Breeches Acanthus mollis with tall flower spikes in summer and famous shaped leaves. Echinops globe thistles would be an alternative and Crocosmia has sword shaped leaves.
• A smoke bush tree Cotinus coggyria is a good purple leaved shrub with airy pink/white

Planting Tips

• Avoid planting too close to large trees as the roots take all the water. Anemone hybrids survive the dry but may not reach their full 3′ height.
• Remove weeds and incorporate compost or manure to retain what moisture it can.
• Plant shrubs in Autumn to give the roots chance to become established.
• Soak plants thoroughly before planting and turn to show their best face.
• If you grow for fruit or root, it needs full sun. If you grow it for the leaves, stems, or buds, a little shade will be fine so you could intersperse some vegetables such as Chard, salad leaves or the collards, mustard greens, spinach, and kale.

Annuals for dry shade

• Salvia is a terrific annual choice, Nasturtiums are a classic and popular shade loving flower and Silver bells (Browallia speciosa) are well worth seeking out if you want an annual that loves shade and blooms all summer long.
• Others include Impatiens, small flowered Begonias,   Coleus or Lobelia.

Other Tips for Shade

• I have my compost heap in a shady corner (but water it if the material is too dry).
• A white ornament or statue can lighten the atmosphere in a dark corner.
• Climbers may reach up for the light but avoid casting further shadow.
• Grass can be spares or thin. If you need a shady lawn buy seed raised for shady locations.