Choose shade lovers
1 Philadelphus
coronarius ‘Aureus’ An attractive upright shrub with dazzling yellow-green foliage in spring; produces fragrant white flowers in mid-summer. H2m (6½ft) S1.5m (5ft) in 5-10 years
6 Dryopteris affinis
‘Cristata’
A semi-evergreen fern that looks good almost all year round. Cut back old brown fronds in winter to encourage new growth.
H and S90cm (3ft)
2 Acer griseum
A lovely specimen tree grown for its attractive cinnamoncoloured peeling bark. Excellent autumn foliage colour, with the canopy turning crimson red. H and S5m+ (16ft) in 20 years 7 Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ Deciduous shrub with dark purple foliage. Produces pinkish-white flowers in early summer and red seedheads.
H and S2m (6½ft)
3 Euphorbia amygdaloides
robbiae A perennial that thrives in poor, dry soil in shade. Spreads to form an evergreen carpet with intricate lime green flowers in late spring. H50cm (20in) S1.5m (5ft)
8 Liriope muscari
A low-growing perennial forming clumps of narrow foliage and stems of deep purple flowers from mid-summer until autumn. H and S40cm (16in) 4 Polystichum setiferum ‘Herrenhausen’
An elegant lowgrowing, evergreen fern with finely cut fronds, perfect for the front of the border. H70cm (28in) S50cm (20in) 9 Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Ballerina’ Vigorous small tree with bronzetinged foliage in spring, white summer flowers and fine autumn leaf colour. H and S8m (26ft) in 20 years
5 Asplenium scolopendrium
Fresh, bright green glossy foliage with wavy edges makes this evergreen hart’stongue fern a popular choice for a shady spot. H60cm (2ft) S45cm (18in)
10 Anemanthele lessoniana
Ornamental grass with attractive year-round colour, best in the autumn and winter. May need protection in cold locations.
H and S1m (3ft 3in)
11 Mahonia aquifolium ‘Apollo’ A compact evergreen shrub with spiky foliage. Bright golden yellow flowers in winter, followed by small black fruits loved by birds. H1m (3ft 3in) S1.5m (5ft)
16 Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ This tough perennial is great for a dry, shady spot. Attractive silver foliage and sprays of tiny blue forget-me-not flowers in spring. H30cm (12in) S60cm (2ft)
12 Athyrium niponicum pictum ‘Ursula’s Red’ Low-growing striking fern with distinctive silver and purple foliage perfect for shady gaps and corners. H and S50cm (20in)
17 Vinca major Greater periwinkle provides an excellent mat of evergreen groundcover if allowed to spread; a mass of purple flowers appear in summer. H30cm (12in) S2m (6½ft)
13 Rodgersia aesculifolia Perennial with large horse chestnut-like leaves that turn coppery brown in autumn and tall white summer flower spikes. H2m (6½ft) S1m (3ft 3in)
18 Osmanthus burkwoodii Slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can be trained as an informal hedge. Tiny, white, fragrant flowers appear in spring.
H and S2.5m (8ft) in 10 years
14 Geranium phaeum ‘Samobor’ Popular perennial geranium with sprays of maroon-purple flowers in spring and summer, and leaves marked with purple too. H75cm (2½ft) S50cm (20in)
19 Sarcococca confusa Highly fragrant white flowers appear in winter on this lowgrowing evergreen shrub, followed by glossy black berries in spring. H and S1.5m (5ft)
15 Hosta ‘Halcyon’ One of the best glaucous blue-leaved hostas with emerging lance-shaped leaves maturing to heart shaped. Spikes of pale lilac flowers in summer. H and S50cm (20in)
20 Tiarella ‘Spring Symphony’
A perfect woodland garden perennial with attractive lobed, dark-blotched foliage and short spikes of pinkish white flowers in late spring. H and S30cm (12in)