# [ ](/gardening-guides?f%5B0%5D=gg_content_type%3AQ%20%26%20A "Q&A's") Best Plants for Dry Shady Areas ![Clivia-miniata](/sites/default/files/styles/side_image_xs/public/2026-09/clivia-miniata.jpg.avif?itok=PY6-dQj7) # [ ](/gardening-guides?f%5B0%5D=gg_content_type%3AQ%20%26%20A "Q&A's") Best Plants for Dry Shady Areas What are plants that will thrive in dry shade? Dry shade can be one of the more challenging areas of the garden, but there are plenty of plants that will grow successfully with the right preparation and care. ##### Match plants to the level of shade It’s worth remembering that there are different degrees of shade in the garden, from very dark corners to the filtered light beneath large, fine-leaved trees. This will influence which plants are best suited to your area. Some plants will cope with quite deep, dry shade, while others are better where there is filtered light or a little more moisture available. **Groundcovers** - **Ajuga species** – useful spreading groundcovers for shaded areas. - **Japanese anemone (Anemone japonica)** – suitable for lighter shade, although it will perform better where the soil retains some moisture. - **Campanula (Campanula poscharskyana)** – a low-growing, spreading plant suited to light or partial shade. - **Low-growing impatiens varieties** – best in lighter shade and will need more regular moisture than some of the tougher dry-shade plants. - **Lamium (Lamium galeobdolon)** – a spreading groundcover suited to partial or full shade. - **Phlomis species** – hardy plants that can tolerate relatively dry conditions once established. **Low-growing plants** - **Rengarenga lily (Arthropodium cirratum)** – a hardy NZ native that grows particularly well in dry shade, including beneath trees. - **Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)** – a tough perennial that tolerates shade and drier conditions once established. - **Clivia (Clivia miniata)** – one of the best choices for a dry, shady position, with evergreen foliage and colourful flowers. - **Tūrutu (Dianella nigra)** – a NZ native suited to semi-shade and able to tolerate drier conditions once established. - **Liriope (Liriope muscari)** – a useful evergreen edging or groundcover plant that grows well in light to partial shade and tolerates dry soil once established. **Shrubs** - **Fatsia (Fatsia japonica)** – an evergreen shrub with large, glossy leaves that performs well in shade and can tolerate drier conditions once established. - **Hydrangea species** – best suited to lighter shade and will need more moisture than many other plants on this list, particularly during dry weather. - **Sarcococca (Sarcococca ruscifolia)** – a compact evergreen shrub well suited to dry shade, with small, fragrant flowers in winter. ##### Prepare the soil and help plants establish Even plants that tolerate dry shade still need good soil preparation and regular watering while they establish. Before planting, break up the existing soil and work in fresh compost to add organic matter and help improve moisture retention. Choose strong, healthy plants and water them regularly until their root systems are well established. During particularly dry summers, apply mulch around the plants to help conserve soil moisture and continue watering when needed, especially beneath established trees where there can be strong competition for water. Choosing plants to suit the level of shade, and giving them a good start, will make a big difference to how well they perform. ## Products To Try ![](/themes/custom/b_three/images/icon-svgs/caret.svg) ![](/themes/custom/b_three/images/icon-svgs/caret.svg) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/product_filter_listing_lg/public/2025-10/prem_garden_mix_30l_vis_flat.png.avif?itok=xMDBDO6J) ##### Daltons Premium Garden Mix ](/products/daltons-premium-garden-mix) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/product_filter_listing_lg/public/2025-10/garden_time_compost_40l_flat_1600x1600px.png.avif?itok=pCiVWgH9) ##### Garden Time™ Compost ](/products/garden-timetm-compost) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/product_filter_listing_lg/public/2021-06/Garden%20Time%20Chicken%20Sheep%20Pellets%2010L%20vis.jpg.avif?itok=BSSXXYRA) ##### Garden Time™ Chicken and Sheep Pellets ](/products/garden-timetm-chicken-and-sheep-pellets) ## More like this ![](/themes/custom/b_three/images/icon-svgs/caret.svg) ![](/themes/custom/b_three/images/icon-svgs/caret.svg) [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/how-to/how-to-gardening-with-children-2.jpg.avif?itok=unlF0JxB) ##### Best Plants for Children to Grow in the Garden What are the best plants for children to grow? I would love to start a garden with the tamariki I look after. ](/gardening-guides/best-plants-children-to-grow-garden "Best Plants for Children to Grow in the Garden") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2021-09/soil_dig_lr_0.jpg.avif?itok=IUOi9afA) ##### Getting the best out of your Daltons Product! We’ve come up with some tips for you to get the best out of your Daltons products. ](/gardening-guides/getting-best-out-your-daltons-product "Getting the best out of your Daltons Product!") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/daffodils_is3207802l.jpg.avif?itok=HQgdex70) ##### Why Are My Daffodils All Leaves and No Flowers? My daffodil bulbs have all sprouted but none of them have a flower - they look like big spring onions! What’s gone wrong? ](/gardening-guides/why-are-my-daffodils-all-leaves-and-no-flowers "Why Are My Daffodils All Leaves and No Flowers?") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2022-06/iStock-178956499.jpg.avif?itok=LOTxKZVv) ##### How to Control Passionvine Hoppers (Fluffy Bums) Our garden had a heavy infestation of Passionvine Hoppers (“fluffy bums”) this summer, covering many plants and trees. Spraying hasn’t controlled them. What is the best spray to use, and is there anything that will destroy their eggs over winter? ](/gardening-guides/how-to-control-passionvine-hoppers-fluffy-bums "How to Control Passionvine Hoppers (Fluffy Bums)") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2023-06/sfik_logo_2023.jpg.avif?itok=qxKdovJH) ##### Sunflowers Project Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergarten project is designed to inspire the next generation of gardeners and their teachers and give children the opportunity to engage in gardening. ](/sunflowers-project "Sunflowers Project") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/orchid_is_9169154m.jpg.avif?itok=q9H7Ccpw) ##### Strong, Flowering Orchid Plants What is the best way to get phalaenopsis orchid plants to flower? I have had a number of plants, but have only managed to get one to grow new flowers. ](/gardening-guides/strong-flowering-orchid-plants "Strong, Flowering Orchid Plants ") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2024-11/tree_and_shrub_fert_sm.jpg.avif?itok=F5_xSkhV) ##### How to Use Fertiliser Guide Choosing the right fertiliser and applying it at the right time can make all the difference in the success of your garden. In our guide we share the top tips and advice on selecting the best fertiliser for your garden. ](/how-to-use-fertiliser-guide "How to Use Fertiliser Guide") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/hydrangeas_is579412384_xl.jpg.avif?itok=L0kC1vha) ##### Pruning Hydrangea Plants I have a hydrangea bush that has been blooming beautifully this summer. Once the flowers die off, when is the best time to prune it? ](/gardening-guides/pruning-hydrangea-plants "Pruning Hydrangea Plants ") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2025-12/watering_veggies.jpg.avif?itok=fYEKlbpP) ##### The Best Time to Water Your Garden in Summer When is the best time to water your garden in summer on hot days? ](/gardening-guides/best-time-to-water-your-garden-summer "The Best Time to Water Your Garden in Summer") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2017-06/rose_pink_is20525057l.jpg.avif?itok=aibKiJQz) ##### Scale on Roses I have 3 roses with bad scale, I have tried every remedy I can think of including natural. What can I use to eliminate this? It has not spread to others, yet. Is moving them the best idea? ](/gardening-guides/scale-roses "Scale on Roses") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/2026-07/bok_choy.jpg.avif?itok=67fb8uFf) ##### July Gardening Tasks July may be the middle of winter, but there is still plenty to enjoy and plenty to do in the garden. Asian greens can keep the vege patch productive, daphne brings beautiful winter fragrance, citrus is ready to harvest, and hardwood cuttings are a simple way to grow more plants from the garden you already have. While plants are dormant, it is also a good time to plant new roses, trees and shrubs, prune established plants and move existing roses. ](/july-gardening-tasks "July Gardening Tasks") [ ![](/sites/default/files/styles/page_listing_2xl/public/sweet_peas_is11112910_l.jpg.avif?itok=JjH2yPwR) ##### Soil Preparation for Sweet Peas I love sweet peas. What is the best fertiliser when planting and during growth? Would it be best to use liquid feed? ](/gardening-guides/soil-preparation-sweet-peas "Soil Preparation for Sweet Peas ")