Not everyone is blessed with a south-facing garden. Portions of our outdoor spaces may be either north-facing and in shade all year round, or have sunlight blocking, tree cover. But what on earth can we grow in the darker areas of our garden? This article lists some of the best flowering plants to grow in hanging baskets for areas of shade.

Believe it or not; there are plenty of plants that have a preference for shade. Plants that are accustomed to woodland environments where sunlight is mottled to non-existent can thrive perfectly well against a north facing wall.

TRAILING & bushy PLANTS for a north facing garden

The following is a list of plants that will add colour to hanging baskets in shaded areas of the garden. Such plants will require a little less watering than hanging basket plants at the mercy of the summer sun. Some of the following plants will happily tolerate heavy shade. Others will not do as well and prefer partial shade.

Hanging Baskets for Areas of Shade in UK Gardens

Creating vibrant hanging baskets for areas of shade in UK gardens can transform dim corners into lush, inviting spaces. Shady spots, often found under trees, near north-facing walls, or in courtyards, present unique challenges due to limited sunlight. However, with careful plant selection, hanging baskets can thrive in low-light, offering texture, colour, and visual interest. This article explores plants ideal for heavy shade, focusing on high-impact foliage rather than flowers, as blooms are often less reliable in low-light conditions. Below, we expand on each plant, tailored for UK climates, with tips to ensure your hanging baskets flourish in shade.

Plants for Heavy Shade in Hanging Baskets

In heavy shade, where sunlight is minimal (less than 2-3 hours daily), plant choices are limited, but strategic selections can yield stunning results. Prioritising foliage over flowers ensures hanging baskets maintain vibrancy, as many flowering plants struggle to bloom without adequate light. The following plants are well-suited for UK gardens, thriving in low-light and adding texture and colour to your arrangement.

Fern

Ferns are a cornerstone for hanging baskets in shade, offering feathery, arching fronds that create a soft, elegant look. Varieties like the Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) or the native hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) are ideal for UK climates. These plants thrive in cool, moist conditions, making them perfect for shady spots. Ferns prefer well-draining, humus-rich soil and regular watering to prevent drying out. Their lush greenery adds volume to hanging baskets, and they pair well with other shade-loving plants. Ensure baskets are sheltered from strong winds to protect delicate fronds.

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Hosta

Hostas, known for their bold, heart-shaped leaves, are excellent for hanging baskets in shade. In the UK, varieties like Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’ or Hosta ‘Francee’ offer compact growth suitable for baskets. Their foliage ranges from deep green to variegated patterns, providing striking contrast in low-light areas. Hostas prefer rich, moist soil and benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertiliser. While they produce delicate flower spikes in summer, their leaves are the main attraction. Protect hostas from slugs, a common UK garden pest, by using organic deterrents like copper tape around basket edges.

Buy Hosta

Heuchera

Heuchera, or coral bells, bring vibrant foliage to hanging baskets in shade, with leaves in hues of purple, bronze, lime, or silver. UK-friendly varieties like Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’ are compact and thrive in partial to heavy shade. Their evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, though they may need winter protection in colder regions. Heucheras prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering. Their dainty flower spikes add subtle charm, but the foliage is the star, making them ideal for hanging baskets seeking bold colour in low-light.

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Ivy

Ivy (Hedera helix), a UK native, is a versatile choice for hanging baskets in shade, offering trailing, evergreen foliage that cascades beautifully. Varieties like Hedera helix ‘Glacier’ with variegated leaves add brightness to dim areas. Ivy is low-maintenance, tolerating heavy shade and poor soil, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions. Its ability to drape over basket edges creates a lush, flowing effect, perfect for softening shady corners. Regular trimming keeps ivy in check, preventing it from overwhelming other plants in hanging baskets.

Lamium Maculatum

Lamium maculatum, commonly known as dead nettle, is a shade-tolerant ground cover that adapts well to hanging baskets. In the UK, varieties like Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’ or Lamium ‘Beacon Silver’ offer silvery-green leaves and delicate pink or white flowers. These plants thrive in low-light, with moist, well-drained soil, and their trailing habit makes them ideal for basket edges. Lamium’s foliage provides a soft, shimmering effect, enhancing hanging baskets in low-light areas. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming through summer.

Buy Lamium Maculatum

Hakonechloa

Hakonechloa, or Japanese forest grass, is a graceful addition to hanging baskets in shade, with cascading, bamboo-like foliage. The UK-friendly Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ features golden-green leaves that brighten shady spots. This ornamental grass thrives in cool, moist conditions, preferring rich, well-drained soil. Its arching growth adds movement to hanging baskets, creating a dynamic display. Hakonechloa is low-maintenance but benefits from occasional division to maintain vigour. Protect from excessive winter wet to ensure longevity in low-light.

Buy Hakonechloa

Alchemilla

Alchemilla, commonly known as lady’s mantle, is a charming perennial for hanging baskets in shade. Alchemilla mollis, popular in UK gardens, features soft, scalloped leaves that catch dew drops, adding sparkle to shady displays. Its frothy, yellow-green flowers bloom in summer, complementing the foliage. Alchemilla thrives in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates heavy low-light, though it prefers partial shade for optimal growth. Its compact habit suits smaller displays, and regular deadheading extends its appeal. This plant is hardy and low-maintenance, ideal for UK climates.

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Catharanthus Roseus (Periwinkle)

Catharanthus roseus, often confused with true periwinkle (Vinca), is a tender perennial grown as an annual in the UK for hanging baskets in shade. Its glossy green leaves and vibrant pink, white, or purple flowers add pops of colour to shady areas. While it prefers partial shade, it tolerates heavier shade with reduced blooming. Plant in well-drained soil and water moderately, as it dislikes waterlogging. In hanging baskets, Catharanthus roseus trails elegantly, pairing well with foliage plants like ferns or ivy. Protect from frost, as it’s not hardy in UK winters.

Buy Catharanthus Roseus (Periwinkle)

Plants for Partial Shade in Hanging Baskets

In partial shade, plants can produce abundant blooms and striking foliage, making hanging baskets a focal point in UK gardens. The following selections are well-suited to these conditions, offering a mix of flowers and leaves that create dynamic displays in restricted light.

Busy Lizzie

Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) is a classic choice for hanging baskets in partial shade, prized for its prolific blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. In the UK, these tender annuals thrive in dappled light, producing flowers from spring to autumn. They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering to maintain their lush appearance. Compact varieties like Impatiens ‘Beacon’ are ideal for your display, creating a mound of colour. Protect from direct afternoon sun to prevent wilting and pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth in low-light.

Buy Busy Lizzie

Trailing Begonia

Trailing begonias, such as Begonia boliviensis or Begonia ‘Illumination’, are perfect for hanging baskets in partial shade, offering cascades of vibrant flowers in red, orange, pink, or white. These tuberous perennials are popular in UK gardens for their long blooming season, from summer to early autumn. They thrive in well-drained, peat-free compost and require consistent moisture without waterlogging. Their pendulous stems create a dramatic effect, ideal for elevating hanging baskets in low-light. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and lift tubers before winter frosts for replanting.

Buy Trailing Begonia

Trailing Viola & Pansy

Trailing violas and pansies (Viola x wittrockiana or Viola tricolor) bring cheerful, edible flowers to hanging baskets in partial shade. UK varieties like Viola ‘Cool Wave’ or trailing pansies offer blooms in purple, yellow, blue, or white, perfect for spring and autumn displays. These hardy annuals tolerate cooler temperatures and dappled light, preferring moist, well-drained soil. Their spreading habit fills your arrangement with colour, complementing other shade-loving plants. Regular deadheading ensures continuous blooming, and a liquid feed every two weeks boosts vibrancy in low-light.

Buy Trailing Viola & Pansy

Ivy Geranium

Ivy geraniums (Pelargonium peltatum) are excellent for hanging baskets in partial shade, with trailing stems and clusters of flowers in pink, red, or white. In the UK, these tender perennials are grown as annuals, thriving in dappled sunlight and well-drained compost. Their glossy, ivy-like leaves add texture, while blooms persist from late spring to autumn. Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between sessions, and pinch back stems to encourage fuller growth. Ivy geraniums create a cascading effect, enhancing hanging baskets in shade, but require frost protection in winter.

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Fuchsia

Fuchsias are a UK garden favourite for hanging baskets in partial shade, known for their dangling, bell-shaped flowers in combinations of pink, purple, red, and white. Trailing varieties like Fuchsia ‘Swingtime’ or Fuchsia ‘Dark Eyes’ are ideal, producing blooms from summer to autumn. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and benefit from a shaded position to avoid flower scorching. Regular feeding with a high-potash fertiliser encourages abundant flowering. Fuchsias add elegance to your arrangement, with their pendulous blooms swaying in low-light. Cut back in late autumn and overwinter indoors in frost-prone areas.

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Calceolaria

Calceolaria, or pocketbook plant, brings unique, pouch-like flowers to hanging baskets in partial shade. In the UK, Calceolaria ‘Calynopsis’ offers vivid yellow, orange, or red blooms, thriving as an annual in cool, shaded conditions. These plants prefer rich, moist soil and protection from direct sun, which can fade their delicate flowers. Their compact growth suits smaller displays, adding a playful pop of colour in low-light. Water carefully to avoid root rot and remove faded blooms to extend the flowering period, typically from late spring to summer.

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Coleus

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is valued for its vibrant foliage in hanging baskets in partial shade, with leaves in hues of red, pink, green, and yellow. UK-friendly varieties like Coleus ‘Wizard’ or Coleus ‘Kong’ offer compact growth ideal for baskets. These tender perennials, grown as annuals, thrive in well-drained soil and prefer consistent moisture. Their bold, patterned leaves create a striking contrast in low-light, reducing reliance on flowers. Pinch back tips to promote bushiness and remove flower spikes to focus energy on foliage for arrangements.

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Lobelia Erinus

Lobelia erinus, with its delicate blue, white, or purple flowers, is a staple for hanging baskets in partial shade. Trailing varieties like Lobelia ‘Regatta’ or Lobelia ‘Cascade’ are popular in UK gardens, forming a carpet of blooms from spring to autumn. They thrive in moist, well-drained compost and benefit from regular watering, especially in warmer spells. Lobelia’s cascading habit softens basket edges, creating a dreamy effect in low-light. Trim back after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom and maintain tidiness in your display.

Buy Lobelia Erinus

Mimulus

Mimulus, or monkey flower, adds bright, trumpet-shaped flowers to hanging baskets in partial shade, with blooms in yellow, orange, or red. In the UK, Mimulus ‘Magic’ or trailing hybrids are grown as annuals, thriving in cool, moist conditions. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and tolerate dappled light, making them ideal for shade. Their vibrant flowers attract pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity. Water regularly to prevent drying out and deadhead to prolong blooming. Mimulus adds a cheerful touch to arrangements, especially in cooler UK summers.

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Diascia

Diascia, or twinspur, offers delicate pink, peach, or white flowers for hanging baskets in partial shade. UK varieties like Diascia ‘Flying Colours’ or Diascia ‘Little Drifter’ are hardy annuals, blooming from spring to autumn. They thrive in well-drained compost and prefer moist conditions, with protection from intense midday sun. Their trailing stems create a soft, flowing effect, perfect for low-light. Regular deadheading and a balanced fertiliser encourage continuous flowering. Diascia’s subtle charm complements bolder plants in arrangements, adding elegance to UK gardens.

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Bacopa

Bacopa (Sutera cordata) is a trailing annual ideal for hanging baskets in partial shade, producing masses of small, star-shaped flowers in white, pink, or blue. In the UK, varieties like Bacopa ‘Snowflake’ or Bacopa ‘Blutopia’ bloom from spring to autumn, thriving in moist, well-drained soil. They tolerate dappled light and benefit from regular watering and occasional feeding. Bacopa’s cascading growth fills a display with a cloud of colour, softening edges in low-light. Trim lightly to maintain shape and remove spent blooms to extend flowering.

Buy Bacopa

Tips for Success with Shady Hanging Baskets

To ensure your hanging baskets thrive in shade in UK gardens:

• Soil: Use a peat-free, multi-purpose compost with added perlite for drainage.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as shady areas retain moisture longer.
• Feeding: Apply a liquid seaweed fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
• Positioning: Hang baskets in sheltered spots to protect from wind and excessive rain.
• Maintenance: Regularly remove dead leaves and flowers to prevent rot and encourage growth.

By selecting these shade-loving plants and following these tips, your hanging baskets will bring life and colour to even the darkest corners of your UK garden. Whether you opt for the lush fronds of ferns, the bold leaves of hostas, or the trailing charm of ivy, these plants ensure low-light becomes an opportunity for creativity rather than a limitation.

If you are looking for other plants to fill your baskets, then I think you cannot go far wrong with Begonias and Ivy Geraniums. And there are so many other plants to choose from. If you have any suggestions, please to add them to the comments below. I would love to hear your success stories with growing hanging basket plants in shade.