Shade-loving bamboo plants for UK Gardens

Bamboo is a versatile and resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including deep shade. While many bamboo species prefer full sun or partial shade, there are several varieties that can tolerate or even prefer deep shade. 

These shade-loving bamboo can add a unique and lush touch to any garden, even those with limited sunlight.

Shade-loving bamboo plants

 There are several species of bamboo that can tolerate or even prefer shade in the UK, including:

• Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', also known as yellow groove bamboo. It can tolerate some shade but also grows well in full sun.
• Sasa veitchii, also known as dwarf bamboo, prefers shade or dappled sunlight.
• Pleioblastus viridistriatus is a small bamboo that can tolerate deep shade.
• Pleioblastus chino 'Kanapaha' is a dwarf bamboo that prefers partial shade.

Specific conditions in which a bamboo will thrive will depend on a variety of factors, such as the specific microclimate in your garden, the soil type, and the amount of water and fertilizer the plant receives.

Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis'

One of the most popular shade-loving bamboo is Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', also known as yellow groove bamboo. 

This bamboo species is known for its striking yellow culms, or bamboo stalks, which can reach up to 6 metres tall. 

While this bamboo species can tolerate some shade, it also grows well in full sun. It is considered winter hardy and can survive in temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celcius.

Sasa veitchii

Another shade-loving bamboo is Sasa veitchii, also known as dwarf bamboo. This is a small bamboo that prefers shade or dappled sunlight. It can reach a maximum height of around 1 - 1.5 metres and can be used as a ground cover or as an accent plant. 

Sasa Veitchii has a fine textured leaf which makes it a great bamboo variety to add to a garden that needs a softer touch.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Pleioblastus viridistriatus is another small bamboo that can tolerate deep shade. It is a clumping bamboo that grows to a height of around 05 - 1 metre, making it a great option for smaller gardens. 

Its leaves are a vibrant green and are about 3 centimetres long. This bamboo is great for planting under trees or in other areas where sunlight is limited.

Pleioblastus chino 'Kanapaha' 

Pleioblastus chino 'Kanapaha' is a dwarf bamboo that prefers partial shade. It is a clumping bamboo that reaches a height of around 1 2 metres. It has a fine textured leaf and it is considered as a dwarf bamboo variety. 

It is a great option for planting along the edge of a garden or near a patio where it can be appreciated up close.

Planting bamboo in deep shade

When planting bamboo in deep shade, it is important to keep in mind that these plants may not grow as quickly or reach their full potential as they would in a sunnier location. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can still thrive and add a unique touch to your garden.

Here are some important tips to bear in mind:

• The bamboo varieties listed above can tolerate deep shade, but they still need some sunlight to thrive. They will need at least 2-3 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well.
• Always ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. 
• Bamboo prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of around 6.0-7.0.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as bamboo is susceptible to root rot.

Proper plant care and maintenance

In addition to proper care and maintenance, bamboo also benefits from regular fertilization. 

Use a high-nitrogen fertiliser, such as a 17-9-11 fertilizer, to ensure that the plant receives the necessary nutrients to grow and thrive.

All in all, many bamboo species prefer full sun or partial shade, the varieties mentioned here can tolerate or even prefer deep shade. 

These shade-loving bamboo plants can add a unique and lush touch to any garden, even those with limited sunlight. With proper care and maintenance, these bamboo plants can thrive and add a unique touch to your garden.

10 Air Purifying Bathroom Plants

Freshening up your bathroom by placing plants in it. Choose plants that are bright happy colours and shade-tolerant. 

In this article, you'll find out about the 10 air-purifying bathroom plants and their benefits - what makes the ideal plants for your bathroom.

What makes the best bathroom plants?

There’s no reason why your bathroom can’t be decorated like the other rooms of your home. Consider plants that have these 5 features:

• High shade-tolerant
• Are bright happy colours.
• Love a warm and humid environment.
• Can stand up to the cramped spaces of the bathroom.

Buy shade-loving plants from Thompson & Morgan

Bathroom plants polled the best

Create a Tropical Oasis in your bathroom to boost your well-being. So what plants are proven to be best for bathrooms? A comparison of over 100 online opinion polls and social media posts was reassuring. 

Many participants were houseplants fans and hobbyists. Over 95% recommended these 10 bathroom plants. 

1. Orchid
2. Bamboo
3. Calathea
4. Aloe Vera
5. Spider Plant
6. Snake Plant
7. Golden Pathos (Devil’s Ivy)
8. Monstera Swiss Cheese plant
9. Tacca chantrieri ('Bat Flower')
10. Tradescantia Nanouk ('Fantasy Venice')

Golden Pathos (Devil’s Ivy)

Air purifying plants

Bathroom plants have several health benefits too. These plants are great air purifiers. 

The spider plants will remove impurities like formaldehyde/carbon monoxide from the air. 

Bamboo grows in almost any light level without soil. 

Peace Lilly leaves filter air, producing better air quality.

Bathroom challenge

Have you ever been to a spa or a beachside resort with bathrooms inspired by the tropics? Lush greenery and the subtle scent of coconut fill the room. 

The sound of water can be heard ever so slightly and the iridescent colours remind you of shimmering shells beneath the waves. Sound familiar? 

If this is your ultimate ambience, there’s no reason you can’t bring this theme home. With the right bathroom plants, you can turn your bathroom into a dreamy tropical oasis in no time.

Anthurium Plant Flamingo Flower

Anthurium plant is an epiphyte that thrives in rich organic humus, moisture and shade which is why it's one of the best shade plants to grow. 

This plant is undemanding and requires less care, it does not necessarily need soil to grow.

Common name: Anthurium

Other names: Flamingo Flower, Tail Flower, Painted Tongue Plant, Bird's Nest Anthurium, Water Dragon Anthurium, Bird's Nest Anthurium

Native to: South America

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Anthurium Plant shade or sun

Anthurium plant thrives in shade and part shade. They love natural light, but direct sunlight will kill the leaves and flowers.

A flowering Anthurium plant will need a good dose of bright, indirect light. 

New plants will thrive in low light, but plants flowering must be moved to a location where there is at least 4 - 6 hours of natural light. 

Low light will dull the colour of the flowers.

Varieties of Anthurium flowers

White flowering Anthurium

 Anthurium 'White Champion' is a fantastic variation of the common red Anthurium flowers. It is one cultivar that will make your friends go... 'WOW-I-didn't-know-there's-white-anthurium' 

Red flowering Anthurium

Anthurium Red Champion produces dark luscious flowers. The Flamingo flowers are great if you want to add a bright splash of colour to any indoor room.

Pink flowering Anthurium

Anthurium 'Pink Champion' has bright pink flowers that contrast beautifully with the shiny leaves. This is an Anthurium cultivar that resembles a pink flamingo. 

Yellow flowering Anthurium

Anthurium 'Vanilla Champion' has creamy yellow and green flowerheads, each with a distinctive yellow 'tail', top the slender upright stems that rise above the large and lustrous leaves.

Anthurium plants in water

The Anthurium Flamingo Flowers thrive in moist areas. Water thoroughly when soil, bark or the growing medium is dry. 

The large leaves and flowers mean a high rate of transpiration, so where there is more light, more water will need. So water regularly.

Anthurium leaves yellowing 

Yellowing of the leaves is a sign of stress caused by a lack of moisture, overwatering or cold. A combination of all three factors can decimate the plant.

Also, Anthurium plant requires good potting compost or soil consisting of bark and perlite or peat moss. 

If Anthurium leaves turn yellow, spray the leaves with water every now and then. And keep them moist and warm.

Calathea Plants Grow Well in Shade [Calathea crocata, rifibarba, orbifolai, markoyana, triostar]

There are over 60 species with variegated leaves in shades of pink, orange, red, white and purple. They produce yellow, purple or white blooms in summer. 

Calatheas come from the deep rainforests of the Amazon where there is heavy shade and high humidity and temperature. They thrive in very little light and are one of the best indoor plants. 

Calathea White Star

• Common name: Calathea
• Other names: Prayer Plants, Zebra Plants, Rattlesnake Plants, The Living Plant
• Native to: South America, Pacific Islands

Buy Calathea plants from top UK suppliers

Calatheas are shade-loving plants that thrive in low low-light areas, the easiest houseplants to care for.

Common Calathea varieties

Calathea crocata (Tassmania Orange' or Eternal Flame) 

Eternal Flame has beautiful dark green coloured leaves and bright yellow flowers

Calathea rifibarba (Fuzzy Feathers Plant or Velvet Calathea)

Commonly known as the Fuzzy Feathers Plant, it has long, dark-green, feather-like, fuzzy leaves that have maroon undersides.

Calathea orbifolai (The Prayer Plant)

The prayer plant is a large Calathea plant, it has large, round leaves and air-purifying qualities. The top and bottom sides of the leave are striped with pale silver-green variegated markings.

Calathea markoyana (Peacock plant) 

Peacock plants have oval pale green leaves with dark green patterns. The top and bottom sides of the leave have dark purple to red stripes.

Calathea triostar (Stromanthe Triostar) 

Cathalea triostar is known for its incredible colourful leaves with pink undersides. It is a rare cultivar that is now trending.

How do you propagate a Calathea?

The best way to propagate a Calathea is by base separation also called dividing.

Propagate the new plants early in spring. Separate the rhizomes taking care not to destroy any new roots - the segments will detach easily.

Plant the segmented parts in well-drained, moist soil.

Calathea leaves turning brown

This is the main problem Calathea plants face. If the leaves turn brown, it means that they are getting too much direct light, it's too cold.

Do these quick checks:

• Light: Is your plant in direct light?
• Soil: Is the soil moist and well-drained, not waterlogged?
• Pot: Is the pot or container suitable for the plant?

If the answer to questions is no, take action immediately to revive your plant.

Revive Calathea plants

To revive a dying Calathea plant, make sure light is not the main cause of the problem, If the plant is in direct light, move it to a location where there is sufficient natural light and is also warm.

Also, check the soil and ensure it is moist but not waterlogged roots exposure to stagnant water can upset the plant. 

The pot and container you use can also affect the health of the plant. Ensure that the holding pot has a drainage hole at the bottom for water to shive freely. Bigger plants will require repotting.

#Calathea is native to South America and parts of the island of New Guinea. Also known as the Living Plant, a fantastic #houseplant.

Got to find a place for it now ;)x pic.twitter.com/hJECpuiBuM

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) September 30, 2022

Group 1 and Group 2 Clematis for Shade

Clemantis come in different shades of pink, purple and white and they bloom througout the year. There are over 300 cultivars which are divided into three groups based on their flowering habits.

Generally, most clematis need atleast 6 hours of sunlight to produce strong foliage and healthy bloom.

But there are a number of clematis cultivars that thrive on walls and fences in heavy shade.

Common name: Clematis

Family name: Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Native to: China and Japan

Buy clematis for north facing walls and fences 

 Group 1 & 2 Clematis for Shade

According to the RHS, the '[e]arly summer, twice-flowering types are particularly suited to a shadier position, as this can help to prevent premature fading of flower colour'. These are the Clematis in Groups 1 and 2 of the general classification.

The Group 3 Clematis tend to flower late in summer and early autumn are are not best for shade.

So, here are the 5 main groups of climber Clematis that grow well in shade. Each group may have more that one cultivar, so check the plant specification before buying it.

• Clematis alpina
• Clematis montana
• Clematis armandii
• Clematis macropetala 
• Clematis Crystal fountain

Does Clematis need full sun?

Generally, most clemantis prefer sun to produce healthy foliage and flowers. 

But cultivars from the 5 groups above are tolerant to shaded areas. They will thrive in shade and part shade.

Also these vine plants will need trellis support and protection to grow well onto walls and fences that are in the shade.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Epipremnum Aureum Devil's Ivy Plant UK

Epipremnum aureum widely known as the Devil's Ivy has many different variations that do well indoors and outdoors. The Devil's Ivy is hard to kill, it tends to adapt extremely well to different light variations from indirect indoor light and part-shade to heavy shade and direct light.

This fast-growing vine will thrive in pots and containers, perfect for both new and savvy plant lovers.

Common name: Pathos Plant, Money Plant, Devil's Ivy

Family name: Epipremnum aureum

Native to: the Pacific Islands (New Guinea & Solomon Islands)

Related plants: Dieffenbachia seguine, Philodendron hederaceum, Arrowhead Plant, Peperomia obtusifolia

Buy Epipremnum aureum

Other names include the Devil's vine, golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter's robe, ivy arum, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, marble queen, taro vine

Easiest houseplant to grow

Epipremnum Aureum Devil's Ivy Plant is literally the easiest house plant to grow. They grow pretty long. Plant it in well-drained and humid soil and ensure that the soil remains conducive as it grows.

The vine blends into the background, making it one of the easiest plants to grow in small spaces such as windows and bathroom tops.

These lush trailing plants thrive in pots and containers and they are fantastic hanging houseplants.

All-rounder shade to sun plant

It grows well in bright indirect light and also tolerates dark areas. It has been found to be great at cleaning the indoor air of dust and stale air, an excellent air purifier.

Devil's Ivy plant can absorb water easily, which makes it ideal for bathrooms and rooms where moisture is high. 

Care

Epipremnum Aureum Devil's Ivy Plant is an undemanding low-maintenance plant, but it does not like waterlogged soil. Too much water will result in the roots rotting which can completely kill the plant.

Use a damp cloth clean the top layer of the leaves if you see specks of dust accumulating on them. When cleaning, avoid wiping the underside of the leaves as this can block the vital pores and affect the plant's happiness. 

For older plants, you may have to stake them using bamboo sticks or prune the tips to reduce further growth. Also, train the tip back into place for a dense screen cover.

Train the pothos plants up bamboo sticks for a neater look. Get the bamboo sticks here.

Propagate Devil's Ivy Plant

Epipremnum Aureum is such an easy plant to propagate - all you need is water and light.

Take cuttings from the vines, and at least two or three internodes from the tips of the plant. You can propagate the new cutting in water or straight into holding pots.

Keep the soil well aerated and moist until you see signs of new growth.

Then transplant it into larger holding pots and store it in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Impatiens Busy Lizzie Grows Well in Shade

Impatiens 'Busy Lizzie' grows well in shade to part-shade and full sun. Impatiens' flowers are vibrant and come in different colours. They are useful for brightening up shady gardens, borders, baskets and containers.

Image credit: Meghan E. White @meghan_e_white/Twitter

Common name: Busy Lizzie

Family name: Impatiens 'New Guinea'

Native to: New Guinea

Buy: Impatiens 'Busy Lizzie'

Grow

Busy Lizzie blooms all year round. 

You can grow it in pots and containers or in the garden. It thrives in areas where there is plenty of water and shade. It will require regular watering when growing in sunny sites.

Care

This colourful plant is low-maintenance. It grows where you plant it until it flowers. Apart from watering, there is little to do in terms of care but to enjoy the bloom.

Propagate

Impatiens can be propagated from seeds or from stem cuttings. It takes a lot longer to grow them from seeds. If you are patient with the Impatiens, you'll get lots of plants from seeds.

The fastest way to get new plants is by stem cuttings. Choose a non-flowering stem with at least two leaf nodes and make a cut just below a node. 

Propagate the cuttings in water until rooting before planting in holding pots.

Alternatively, propagate the seed and stem cuttings in well-drained moist soil until they germinate.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Tradescantia Nanouk Pink Panther Tricolour Plant

Tradescantia Nanouk, also known as Fantasy Venice, is a special type of running plant that’s become a must-have for plant lovers. 

It has pink, white, purple, and green stripes patterns and also in tricolour variations on its lush leaves and along the slender stems. 

Common name: Tradescantia Nanouk Fantasy Venice

Family Name: Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’

Native to South America and New Guinea

Buy Tradescantia Nanouk plants

Shade-loving plant

It is a fantastic indoor plant because it needs little to thrive. 

It loves growing at the base of large trees and also a great ground cover where there is heavy shade.

If you want an indoor or garden plant for a shaded spot, this plant will not disappoint.

 Care

Too much light and dry soil can kill your Tradescantia Nanouk Fantasy Venice. Prevent this from happening by placing it away from direct sunlight and keeping the soil moist all the time.

If the leaves are dry and crispy at the edge, your plant is getting too much light or the soil is too dry.

Propagation

 Tradescantia Nanouk is a vigorous plant. It will grow from leaves and stem cuttings. 

The new cutting will need nutrient-rich soil, water and natural light to grow. Place it away from direct light.

You can propagate Tradescantia Nanouk in water before transplanting it into holding pots.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Brunnera macrophylla Shade-loving Plant

Plants that grow in shade are a bonus in the garden. One of these spectacular plants is the Brunnera macrophylla, aka Perennial Forget-Me-Not or Siberian Bugloss. 

It produces bright blue flowers atop broad green leaves. A fantastic shade plant that will bring out the best in any dark corner.

A wonderful blue for spring.

Common name/s: Perennial Forget-Me-Not, Siberian Bugloss

Family name: Brunnera macrophylla

Native to: Asia, Europe

Buy: Siberian Bugloss

This perennial flower is a low-maintenance plant, a good replacement for plants that are prone to slugs, bugs and diseases in spring as they are resilient plants.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Black Bat Flower Tacca Chantrieri Shade-loving Plants

Tacca chantrieri, the black bat flower, is a tropical plant that grows well in shade. The flowers are somewhat bat-shaped and have long 'whiskers'.

Tacca chantrieri (Dioscoreaceae) or 'Bat Flower' 

Common Names: Black Bat Flower, Cat's whiskers, Devil's flower

Family Name: Dioscoreaceae

Native to: Southeast Asia

BUY THIS PLANT HERE

The 15 species of Tacca chantrieri (Dioscoreaceae) or 'Bat Flower' range in form and colour, thought to have originated in Malaysia.

The 'whiskers' of the flowers are called bracteoles, which are thought to have evolved to resemble rotting organic matter to aid pollination, but some botanists thought it is a self-pollinated plant. 

The reason for these unsual whiskers is not clear.

Shade-loving plant

The bat plants are an excellent addition to any Gothic and tropical gardens, indoors, or as an understory plant where the area is heavily shaded.

Plants that grow well in shade UK

Looking for shade-loving plants? we list the best shade plants that grow well in the UK, flowering plants, non-flowering plants and bamboo plants.

Check out this collection.

Swiss Cheese Plant Likes Indoor Shade [Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, Monstera borsigiana, Monstera obliqua]

There are several cultivars of the Monstera species called Swiss Cheese Plants. These plants are common house plants because they thrive in shade.

They are fantastic indoor plants because of their high shade tolerance, low maintenance and undemanding.

The Swiss Cheese Plants (Monstera spp) have holes in the leaves that resemble Swiss Cheese, hence the name.

Here are some shade-loving plants that grow well in the UK. 

Monstera deliciosa Swiss Cheese Plant

Common name/s: Sweet Cheese Plant, Sweet Cheese Vine,  Five-Holes Plant, Monkey Mask Plant

Swiss Cheese Plants family: Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansoni, Monstera borsigiana, Monstera obliqua

Native to: South-east Asia, South America and New Guinea

4 Types of Swiss Cheese Plant

There are several species of Swiss Cheese Plant. 

The four commonly plants are:

• Monstera deliciosa: This species has the largest leaves compared to the other Monstera plants, has broad perforated leaves. It produces white flowers that look like an arrowhead as seen in the image above.
• Monstera adansonii: This is a marginally large Monstera with ovate leaves and slightly bigger oval holes in them than Monstera deliciosa.
• Monstera borsigiana: This is a smaller form of Monstera deliciosa.
• Monstera obliqua: This Monstera resembles Monstera adansonii, but has thinner leaves with lots of holes in them.

Soil for growing Swiss Cheese Plant

Swiss cheese plants grow best in peat-based potting soil, which will help trap moisture in the soil without allowing it to become waterlogged.

How to propagate Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant grows well by vine cuttings. Cut at least two or three nodes from the tip of the vine.

Propagate the cutting in water until rooting before potting. Ensure that the water does not go stale as this may kill the new plant. 

You may see signs of root and leaf growth after a few days. Transplant the cutting into a pot or hanging container. 

You can also plant the new cutting straight into a holding pot of moist, well-drained soil.

How to Care for Swiss Cheese Plant

The Swiss Cheese Plant is a tropical plant, native to Southeast Asia, New Guinea and South America, where temperature and humidity are high, yet the forest undergrowth receives little indirect light from the sun. And that is where Monstera species thrive.

They are great bathroom and windowsill plants. They are also fantastic hanging plants because warm air tends to circulate to the top making it conducive for them to thrive there.

The Swiss Cheese Plant is not winterhardy and does not really like cold.

They generally require very little care. The most crucial thing is to make sure they are warm and there is some light, but not direct light.

They love to climb, so get some bamboo-stick stakes for the plants to climb onto.

Astilbe perfect shade plants

There are over 20 species of Astilbe plants with striking plumages of small white, pink, or red flowers. 

Astilbe are shade-loving plants that thrive under heavy shades, are winter-hardy and tend to withstand damp soil. They are perfect for adding colours and vibrancy to the neglected parts of the garden.

Common name: False goat’s beard, false spirea, florist’s spirea

Official name: Astilbe

Native to: North America and Asia

Buy: Astilbe plants for sale UK

How to propagate Astilbe

Astilbe plants grow by root separation and propagation. These herbaceous perennials have rhizomes that remain active during winter and come to life in spring. 

They'll grow happily where the soil and moist. 

More great flowering plants that grow well in shade in the UK

.

When do Astilbe Plants flower?

Astilbe plants are the most prolific shade flower you can grow in the garden or in pots and containers. Like ostrich plumes, the flowers are adorable and come in several colours.

Astilbe blooms depend on the cultivars but generally, they are late spring to late summer bloomers. The early blooming varieties emerge in spring, while late bloomers hold off until August. 

You can mix and match to get these gorgeous flowers blooming all season.

Does Astilbe Spread?

Some astilbe plants such as Astilbe Chinensis taquetti can gorw to 150 - 200 cm. Dwarf Chinese Astilbe is a relatively small plant which grows to 30 - 60 cm.

They grow in clumps (clusters) and do not spread away from the parent plant. They are easy to control, low-maintenance and undemanding plants. 

They tend to behave well and produce the most beautiful flowers.

Does Astilbe like sun or shade?

Astilbe are natural undercover plants that thrive in heavily forest canopies. They love the shade and a bit of indirect light to produce full blooms. 

Direct light can harm the leaves. 

Is astilbe a perennial?

Astilbe plants are herbaceous perennials that regenerate via underground roots. They will last the whole season, die down and put out new growth in spring.