Gardeners with little access to sun will be pleased to know that there are hundreds of beautiful plants that require little more then a spot in the shade to grow.

1.Foxgloves

Foxgloves, also known as Digitalis, are a genus of herbaceous perennials. They are native to western and south western Europe, western and central Asia, and northwestern Africa. Their scientific name means “finger-like” which describes the flower’s bell, finger hugging shape. In their first year Foxgloves tend to only produce their stem and leaves, and then flower in their second year.

2.Cyclamen

Grown from tubers, this species of perennial is valued for its flowers with their upswept petals and variably patterned leaves. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, these flowers can grow as far east as Iran, and have one species that grows in Somalia. Cyclamens are low growing plants that flower in the winter and autumn and die in the summer.

3.Siberian Squill

This bulbous perennial is, not surprisingly, native to Siberia and flowers in the early spring. Siberia is not the only place where they are grown however. Siberian Squills blossom throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Like daffodils, they tend to grow in cooler, northern climates, which is why they like Siberia- it ranks second to Antarctica in terms of cold weather, with a winter season that sees temperatures well below freezing.

4.Cranesbill Geranium

Geraniums are a popular plant in English gardens. They tend to flower from mid-spring until the autumn and come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, lavender, blue, purple, and magenta. Deadheading is a good technique to help prolong their flowering season, as is keeping the plant in a compact area, which forbids them from sprawling. These low-growing plants are a good one to place next to roses and other leggy plants. Read the rest of this entry »