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Shade-loving plants for your garden

By Holman

Close up of a Monstera plant's dark green leaves.
Are you struggling to find the right plants to fill the shaded area in your backyard? Most plants need around four hours of sun every day on their leaves in order to be healthy. Luckily, we have found the top eight plants that are shade lovers.

First, our tips for success

Avoid direct sun

Be careful not to expose these plants to direct sunlight as this can be damaging, so select a nice shaded area of the garden. Signs of too much light can include leaves burnings and fading of colour.

Watering

Overwatering shaded plants can happen easily as they don't have the heat or exposure from the direct sun to evaporate water. As the water will retain in the soil for longer, this can lead to root and stem rot if the plants are overwatered. Check your soil before watering; if it's still damp, wait an extra day or two before the next water.

Fertiliser

There are numerous fertiliser options available for shade-loving plants. The most popular options being a high quality all-purpose slow release fertiliser, or you may like to try a soluble or liquid all-purpose fertiliser.

Green walls

A great way to introduce shade-loving plants into your outdoors is by installing a vertical green wall. Explore the Holman range of green walls. 

Our eight shade-loving plants

1. ZZ Plant

The Zamioculcas zamifolia is one of the easiest plants to grow. They thrive in dark environments and require very little water to survive. The ZZ plant is on the slower side of growth, and are perfect for beginners or as gifts.

The Zamioculcas zamifolia plant in a white pot.

2. Rhapis palm

The Rhapis palm is a strong and sturdy plant that thrives in a part to full shade location. They are suitable to grow outdoors or in pots. As this plant can grow quite large, ensure it has enough room to grow when potted.

The Rhapis palm in a black pot.

3. Birds nest fern

This fern is a native Australian plant that suits tropical gardens. Perfect for adding to a vertical green wall or pots.

4. Bromeliads

Available in many varieties across Australia, Bromeliads are happy to be planted in the shady spot in your garden. They support a long-lasting flower which makes a nice feature, but their stem is known for collecting water so be careful not to overwater.

Brightly coloured bromeliads in reds, yellows and pinks.

5. Elephant ears (Alocasia)

Known for their ornamental foliage, this beautiful plant is becoming a popular indoor plant. They can be planted outside and prefer a warmer and humid environment. Make sure they are protected from wind when outdoors as their leaves can tear easily.

6. Cast iron plant (Aspidistra)

This hardy and drought tolerant plant is a popular choice for any outdoor garden. The aspidistra looks equally as impressive in pots but be careful not to expose them to full sun as this can fade their dark foliage.

7. Philodendron

This fast-growing plant will love any shady spot in your garden. Their large impressive leaves make them a great feature plant. We have a few favourites from this family that include the Philodendron Bipinnatifidum, Red Congo and Xanadu.

The Philodendron plant in a white pot.

8. Devil's ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

The devils ivy is a fast-growing plant that is a reliable option for any garden. They are happy to grow in filtered light, or can be planted in shaded spots outdoors or inside. Be mindful not to overwater this plant.

The Epipremnum Aureum (devil's ivy) in a pot.

Get growing

You've got the right information, so now it's time to get growing with our wide range of plants!

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.