Made for the shade
Plants that are adaptable and thrive in shade or sun are valuable. Ones that don’t take up much room are doubly so. Both these plants like moist soil and dappled shade. They’re ideal for a narrow border or in pots and are available from www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Spooky’ grows to just 50cm (1¾ft) tall, and 40cm (1¼ft) wide, but it flowers for several months over summer. Price: £24.99/3-litre pot. Hakonechloa macra ‘Sunflare’ is a slow-spreading, deciduous grass with arching, yellow foliage in spring that develops crimson tips as the season progresses. This effect gets bolder in stronger light. H/S: 45cm (1½ft). Price: £7.99/9cm (3½in) pot.