Gardening expert Ish, who shares his tips on TikTok, has revealed the best flowers to plant in shaded areas for 'best results' - and they're all pretty easy to grow too.
Lifestyle Katie-Ann Gupwell Acting Content Editor and Nicola Croal TV and showbiz reporter 13:11, 10 Apr 2025

As we approach the season where gardens become our favourite hangout spots, it's crucial to know a few gardening rules. With the weather getting better and the sun shining brighter, we're all eager for some outdoor time as the summer months roll in but when it comes to gardening, there are certain guidelines worth considering.
Gardening guru Ish, known on TikTok as @gardening.with.ish, has recently offered some advice for those with shaded gardens, revealing that if this applies to your outdoor area, you need to be mindful of the types of flowers that you are choosing to plant as certain ones can particularly flourish in shaded areas.
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In fact, choosing specific locations for these plants could yield impressive results later on. Here's all you need to know about how to make the most of your blooms and what flowers you should consider growing, the Express reports.
Hellebore
Topping Ish's list is the hellebore. He explained that these plants grow well in pots and directly in the ground, adding that they "love a good shady spot".
This is because they thrive in partial shade, making them an excellent choice for shady garden areas.
While they can withstand full sun, they require consistently moist soil to truly thrive.
They also have evergreen leaves that remain "nice and glossy throughout the year", according to the expert.
Their flowers are equally impressive, typically appearing in reds, whites and pinks. He believes they're a fantastic addition to any garden.
Primrose
Ish points out that primroses are notably "winter hardy" and can flourish with a bit of shade, despite their ability to prosper in full sunlight; they fare "pretty well" even in less sunny spots.
Experts concur that primroses excel in areas with partial shade particularly in hot summers.
They're commonly found in woodlands or shaded areas, although certain types are able to withstand direct sunlight provided they receive ample moisture.
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Hydrangeas
Moving on to hydrangeas, Ish identified these as flowers that thrive in partial shade, with some varieties even preferring full shade in hotter regions.
Some, however, grow best with morning rays followed by afternoon shade.
There really are a lot of things you need to know to get your blooms just right, so it's always a good idea to do your research before you jump into the deep end.
Ish also noted several other plants that also thrive in shaded conditions, such as astilbes and bleeding hearts. These species typically tend to do well in the shade.
When you are about to plant your flowers, he advises gardeners to consider the specific needs of each variety, which can differ from plant to plant, to ensure optimal placement for their floral choices. These guidelines should pave the way to gardening triumph.
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