The Best Plants for Your North Facing Garden
If you're blessed with a north facing garden and wondering how to fill it with life and color, you're in the right place.
North facing gardens have their unique charm and challenges, but with the right plants, they can transform into a lush oasis.
Here I will unravel the mysteries and opportunities that come with designing and cultivating a garden that enjoys less direct sunlight but holds immense potential for beauty.
From innovative north facing garden ideas to selecting the perfect shade-loving plants, I will guide you through practical tips and creative ideas to transform your shady outdoor space.
Check out my other guides for gardening by garden aspect:
my top Plant Picks for north facing gardens
North facing gardens offer a special palette of plants that flourish in its cool, gentle light.
From ground cover to towering trees, here's your guide to the best plants for creating a vibrant garden in shaded conditions.
Ground Cover for Lush Floors
Ivy (Hedera)
Ivy is a classic choice for ground cover, especially in shaded or north facing gardens.
Its ability to thrive in less-than-ideal light conditions, coupled with its dense, leafy growth, makes it a perfect candidate for covering large areas of the ground.
Ivy varieties come in several shapes and shades of green, adding texture and depth to the garden floor.
It’s important to manage ivy carefully, as it can become invasive if not kept in check.
Here is the ivy I recommend:
Check out my guide:
Pachysandra
Pachysandra, specifically the Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), is a favorite for shady areas due to its glossy green leaves.
This evergreen plant forms a dense mat that can thrive under trees or in other shaded parts of the north facing garden, where other plants might struggle.
Pachysandra is low maintenance, requiring little care once established, and provides a continuous green carpet throughout the year.
Here is the Pachysandra I recommend:
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor, or periwinkle, is another excellent ground cover option for north facing gardens.
Its trailing vines and small, but vibrant, lavender flowers offer a splash of color in early spring, while its glossy, dark green leaves maintain interest throughout the year.
Periwinkle is particularly effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes and can adapt to a variety of soil conditions.
Here is the periwinkle I recommend:
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is a delightful addition to any shady garden, with its delicate white flowers and fragrant, bright green leaves.
This plant thrives in damp, shaded areas, making it a perfect match for the conditions of a north facing garden.
Sweet woodruff spreads quickly to form a low maintenance ground cover that's also known for its ability to repel pests, making it both beautiful and beneficial.
Here is the sweet woodruff I recommend:
Lamium (Dead Nettle)
Lamium, or dead nettle, offers both striking foliage and lovely flowers, making it a dual-purpose ground cover.
Its leaves come in a variety of colors and patterns, including variegated options that can brighten up shady areas.
The flowers, which appear in shades of pink, purple, and white, add a welcome pop of color in spring and early summer.
Lamium is particularly valued for its ability to grow in dry shade, a common condition in north facing gardens.
Here is the dead nettle I recommend:
Check out my guide:
Flowering Shrubs for Colorful Accents
Flowering shrubs can transform the understated elegance of north facing gardens with a mix of color and textures.
Here are my top picks that can thrive with limited sunlight, each bringing its unique charm:
Hydrangeas:
These are the darlings of the shady garden for good reason.
Hydrangeas flourish in north facing gardens, where their blooms can range from vivid blues to soft pinks and creamy whites, depending on the soil's pH.
Varieties like Hydrangea macrophylla or Hydrangea arborescens are particularly suited for shaded areas, offering large, eye-catching flowers that can brighten up any corner.
Their ability to bloom throughout the summer and into the fall makes them a must-have for continuous color.
To learn more about growing hydrangeas check out my guides Yellow Hydrangea Leaves: Fixing the Problem and The Best Companion Plants for Hydrangeas.
Here is the Hydrangea macrophylla I recommend:
Rhododendrons:
Ideal for adding a touch of drama and color, rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs that have a stunning display of flowers in spring.
They prefer sheltered spots with dappled shade, making them perfect for north facing gardens.
With a wide range of sizes and colors, from deep purples to bright reds and pastel pinks, there's a rhododendron for every garden design.
Plus, their glossy leaves provide year-round interest, even when they're not in bloom.
To learn more about rhododendron, check out my guide: How to Propagate Rhododendrons Successfully.
Here is the rhododendron I recommend:
Check out my guide:
Camellias
Camellias are another gem for the shaded garden, known for their beautiful, rose-like flowers and glossy, dark green leaves.
Camellia sasanqua varieties, in particular, are well-suited for north facing gardens, blooming from fall to early spring when few other plants flower.
They offer a splash of color during the cooler months, with flowers ranging from white to pink and deep red.
Here is the camellia I recommend:
Azaleas:
A close relative of rhododendrons, azaleas are smaller in stature but equally impressive with their spring bloom.
To learn more, check out my guide Rhododendron vs Azalea: How to Spot the Difference.
Suitable for partial shade, they can light up the garden with their vibrant flowers in shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, and purple.
Deciduous azaleas can provide stunning autumn colors, adding another layer of interest to your garden.
Here is the azalea I recommend:
Pieris Japonica
This shrub is a show-stopper with its cascades of white or pink bell-shaped flowers in spring and vibrant red young leaves that gradually turn green.
It's a fantastic choice for adding multi-seasonal interest to shady areas, thriving in cooler, sheltered spots of the garden.
Here is the pieris I recommend:
For more inspiration, check out my guide:
Ferns for Textural Contrast
Ferns are the unsung heroes of the shade garden, offering an array of textures from delicate to bold.
Their unique fronds unfurl in intricate patterns that can capture the eye and soften the garden's overall look.
To learn more about growing ferns, check out my guide Evergreen Ferns for Year-Round Interest.
Here are some exceptional ferns to consider for your garden:
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'):
This is a true showstopper with its silver, green, and burgundy fronds that shimmer in the dappled light of a north facing garden.
It's a relatively small fern, making it perfect for border fronts or as part of a mixed container.
The Japanese Painted Fern brings a cool, metallic tone to the garden palette, contrasting beautifully with darker greens or vibrant flowers.
Here is the Japanese Painted Fern I recommend:
Check out my guide:
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum):
With its fine, airy fronds on black stems, the Maidenhair Fern adds a delicate elegance to any shaded spot.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can create a soft, ethereal layer under taller plants or trees.
Its unique texture makes it an excellent choice for adding visual interest and movement to the garden.
Here is the Maidenhair Fern I recommend:
Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris):
Named for its tall, plume-like fronds that resemble ostrich feathers, this fern can add a dramatic vertical element to your garden.
It loves moist, shady spots and can spread to form dense clumps, making it ideal for filling larger areas or creating a lush backdrop for flowering plants.
Here is the Ostrich Fern I recommend:
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina):
This versatile fern is known for its feathery, green fronds that can brighten up the shadiest corners of your garden.
It's adaptable to a range of soil types and moisture levels, making it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to add texture without too much fuss.
Here is the Lady Fern I recommend:
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides):
This evergreen fern brings life to the winter garden with its leathery, dark green fronds that can withstand snow and frost.
It's perfect for ground cover or as an accent plant, providing year-round interest and texture.
Here is the Christmas Fern I recommend:
For more garden advice, check out my guide:
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Trees for Structure and Height
Trees in north facing gardens need to be adaptable to lower light conditions while still providing aesthetic and ecological benefits.
Here are my top choices for trees:
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum):
Japanese Maples are celebrated for their diverse foliage colors and delicate forms.
Varieties such as 'Bloodgood' with its deep red leaves or the finely cut, almost feathery leaves of 'Dissectum' cultivars, thrive in dappled shade, making them perfect for north facing gardens.
Their slow growth and manageable size make them ideal for small to medium spaces, offering year-round interest with their changing colors.
Here is the Acer ‘Bloodgood’ I recommend:
Magnolia:
Smaller magnolia species and cultivars are well-suited to north facing gardens, where they can provide spectacular spring blooms even in partial shade.
The star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) or the saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) have varieties that stay relatively compact, making them suitable for smaller gardens.
Their large, fragrant flowers are a highlight of the early spring garden.
Here is the saucer magnolia I recommend:
Holly (Ilex):
With species ranging from small trees to large shrubs, hollies offer glossy, evergreen foliage and bright red berries that attract birds and wildlife.
Hollies can adapt to shade, and their dense growth habit makes them excellent for privacy screening or as a focal point in the garden layout.
Female plants need a male pollinator nearby to produce berries, so consider planting them in pairs.
Here is the Holly I recommend:
Dogwood (Cornus):
Dogwoods are another excellent choice for adding layers to your garden.
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) or the Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) can tolerate and even thrive in the dappled shade of a north facing garden.
Their spring flowers, attractive summer foliage, and colorful autumn berries make them valuable for multi-season interest.
Here is the dogwood I recommend:
Plants for Brightening Shady Areas
To add sparkle to the shadowy spaces, consider these plant selections known for their ability to thrive in less sun while contributing bursts of color, reflective foliage, or structural interest.
Hostas:
Renowned for their lush foliage, hostas come in an array of colors, from deep greens to blues, and even variegated types with white or yellow margins that catch the eye.
The lighter the leaf color, the more it can brighten up a shady spot.
Large-leafed varieties like 'Sum and Substance' or variegated types such as 'Patriot' can make a dramatic statement.
To learn more about growing hostas, check out my guides How to Grow Hostas from Seed and Hosta Care in Winter to Ensure Springtime Splendor.
Here is the Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ I recommend:
Astilbe:
Astilbes are invaluable in the shade garden for their feathery, plume-like blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.
They add a soft, airy texture and a pop of color in early to mid-summer.
Their fern-like foliage also adds interest throughout the growing season.
Here is the Astilbe I recommend:
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis):
One of my favorite plants to grow.
With its heart-shaped, pink or white flowers dangling from arching stems in spring, the bleeding heart is an amazing addition to the shade garden.
It is great for creating a focal point of interest and color in cooler, shaded areas.
Here is the Bleeding Heart I recommend:
Heuchera (Coral Bells):
Heucheras are celebrated for their vibrant foliage in shades ranging from lime green to deep burgundy, with many variegated forms.
They provide a nearly year-round color display in the shade garden and can be paired effectively with both bold and delicate foliage plants.
Here is the heuchera I recommend:
Hellebores (Lenten Rose):
Hellebores are one of the earliest bloomers in the shade garden, with flowers appearing in late winter to early spring.
Their blooms come in a range of colors, including white, green, pink, purple, and almost black, and their leathery, evergreen foliage provides interest throughout the year.
To learn more about growing hellebores, check out my guides What To Do With Hellebores in Summer and How to Grow Hellebores in Pots.
Here is the hellebore I recommend:
For more gardening inspiration, check out my guide:
Tips for Thriving North Facing Garden Plants
Creating a thriving north facing garden, lush and vibrant even in the absence of strong sunlight, involves understanding the unique conditions such spaces offer and choosing plants wisely.
Here are my essential tips to ensure your north facing garden plants not only survive but flourish, bringing beauty and life to your outdoor space.
1. Understand Your Shade
Assess the Light:
Not all shade is created equal.
North facing gardens can range from deep shade to light or dappled shade.
Observe how sunlight moves across your garden throughout the day and season to understand where and when pockets of sunlight appear.
Choose Plants Accordingly:
Once you've mapped the light, select plants adapted to the specific type of shade in your garden.
Plants that thrive in deep shade may struggle in brighter spots, and vice versa.
2. Soil Preparation and Improvement
Test Your Soil:
North facing gardens might have soil that's damp and low in nutrients.
Test your soil to understand its type, pH, and nutrient levels.
Here is the soil pH tester I recommend using:
Enrich the Soil:
Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to improve drainage, aeration, and nutrient content.
This is especially important in shaded areas where soil can become compacted and moist.
3. Moisture Management
Water Wisely:
Shade can mean less evaporation, so soil may stay moist longer.
Overwatering can be as harmful as under-watering, leading to root rot.
Check the soil's moisture level before watering, ensuring it's slightly dry at the top before watering deeply.
For watering tips, check out my guide How to Use Watering Globes.
Mulching:
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
Organic mulches like bark chips or leaf mold also enrich the soil as they break down.
To learn more about mulch, check out my guide The Best Alternatives to Traditional Mulch for Your Garden.
Here is the mulch I recommend:
4. Maximizing Light
Use Reflective Surfaces:
Place reflective materials or light-colored decorations near plants to bounce additional light onto them.
Prune Overhead Branches:
If trees or shrubs shade your garden, consider selectively pruning them to allow more light to filter through without compromising the plants' health.
5. Fertilization
Feed Your Plants:
Shade-tolerant plants generally require less fertilizer than those growing in full sun, but they still benefit from the right nutrients.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to support growth without overwhelming plants with excess nutrients.
To learn more about fertilizer, check out my guide Does Fertilizer Go Bad? The Reality of Fertilizer Shelf Life.
Here is the fertilizer I recommend:
6. Pest and Disease Management
Regular Inspection:
Shade gardens can be more susceptible to pests and diseases due to lower light and higher humidity.
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble and address issues promptly to prevent spread.
Choose Resistant Varieties:
Whenever possible, select disease-resistant plant varieties to reduce the need for chemical interventions.
7. Embrace Variegated and Brightly Colored Foliage
Lighten Up with Foliage:
Plants with variegated or brightly colored leaves can add a sense of light to darker areas.
Varieties of hostas, heucheras, and ferns can provide visual interest and really brighten up the garden.
Quick FAQs
Can you plant a garden facing north?
Yes, you can plant a garden facing north, but it will require selecting shade-tolerant plants and understanding the unique light conditions to ensure the garden thrives.
North facing gardens often have cooler temperatures and less direct sunlight, making them suitable for plants that prefer shaded or partially shaded environments.
How much sun does a north facing yard get?
A north facing yard typically receives less direct sunlight compared to yards facing other directions, mainly getting indirect light or filtered sunlight.
The amount of sun can vary based on geographic location and any obstructions like buildings or trees, but generally, these yards are considered shady, especially near the house or structure.
What direction is best for a garden to face?
The best direction for a garden to face is usually considered to be south or southwest in most Northern Hemisphere locations because these orientations receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
This maximizes photosynthesis for plants, making it ideal for a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowering plants that require full sun.
What vegetables grow well in a north facing garden?
Vegetables that grow well in a north facing garden include leafy greens (such as spinach, lettuce, and kale), root vegetables (like radishes and potatoes), and some herbs (such as mint and parsley).
To learn more, check out my guide Herbs That Actually Grow Well in Shade.
These plants can thrive with less direct sunlight, making them suited for the cooler, shadier conditions of a north facing garden.
Wrap-Up
Wrapping up, transforming your north facing garden into an oasis filled with lush, shade-loving plants and cozy seating areas is not just a dream—it's a very achievable reality.
Even without the afternoon sun, your garden can flourish with careful planning, turning shady spaces into tranquil retreats right at home.
Remember, shady gardens possess a unique charm, offering a cool, serene escape during the warmer months.
With the right plants and design, your north facing garden can become your favorite spot to unwind, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of nature.