What can I grow here with almost no direct sunlight? Ideas?

This area gets little to no direct sunlight because the camera is facing south, there’s a fence on the east, and the house is on the west. I’m not sure what would thrive here. Any suggestions?

Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

Make it a ‘Vista de Hosta’ and throw in a fun twist, like a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Why not?

Valen said:

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

Make it a ‘Vista de Hosta’ and throw in a fun twist, like a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Why not?

This is the vibe I didn’t know I needed. Love it.

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

Don’t forget Impatiens; they’re perfect for shade!

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

I planted ferns, but they spread everywhere and didn’t stay where I wanted.

Teagan said:

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

I planted ferns, but they spread everywhere and didn’t stay where I wanted.

But aren’t ferns kind of easy to control? I just planted some, so I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

@Hartley
They keep coming back from seeds and shoots, even after pulling them out.

Teagan said:

Micah said:
Hostas and ferns would work well in that kind of shady area.

I planted ferns, but they spread everywhere and didn’t stay where I wanted.

You might have the invasive kind. Mine are pretty well-behaved and stay put.

I’d go with moss and ferns after getting rid of that ivy.

Luca said:
I’d go with moss and ferns after getting rid of that ivy.

Yes, if you’re in the U.S., get rid of that ivy ASAP or it’ll take over everything.

How about a cute pathway with lights and an arch? Not every spot needs plants, and it saves you maintenance work.

Keegan said:
How about a cute pathway with lights and an arch? Not every spot needs plants, and it saves you maintenance work.

Boo, rational ideas like this don’t belong here! We’re plant addicts! Just teasing, love the idea though.

@Frankie
Haha, glad you got the joke! :blush:

I’d encourage moss to grow, add native ferns, and maybe include some woodland ground covers. Toss in some driftwood or logs for a natural, sculptural look. You might even get mushrooms!

Amani said:
I’d encourage moss to grow, add native ferns, and maybe include some woodland ground covers. Toss in some driftwood or logs for a natural, sculptural look. You might even get mushrooms!

Adding native plants is a great idea. If you’re in the Central or Eastern U.S., blue violets would make an excellent lawn alternative and support pollinators.

Amani said:
I’d encourage moss to grow, add native ferns, and maybe include some woodland ground covers. Toss in some driftwood or logs for a natural, sculptural look. You might even get mushrooms!

Mushrooms are surprisingly easy to grow if you want to give it a try.

Bromeliads, columbines, and begonias would all thrive in shade.

Hadi said:
Bromeliads, columbines, and begonias would all thrive in shade.

Perfect suggestions!

If you’re not far south, you could try shade perennials like hostas, astilbe, or brunnera. Just make sure to deal with that ivy first, or it’ll be a losing battle.