Transform Your North West Facing Garden with These Plants

Plants for North West Facing Garden Explained

If you have a north-west facing garden, you might think that there are limited options available to you in terms of plants. However, this couldn't be further from the truth! In fact, there are plenty of beautiful and hardy plants that thrive in a north-west facing garden.

Why Choose North West Facing Garden Plants?

When choosing plants for your garden, it's important to consider the conditions they'll be growing in. North-west facing gardens tend to receive less direct sunlight than other orientations, so you need to choose plants that can cope with these conditions. However, by selecting the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden even in a north-west facing location.

15 Best Plants for North West Facing Garden

Here are 15 of the best plants for a north-west facing garden:

1. Ferns

Ferns are a great option for a north-west facing garden as they prefer shade and moist conditions. They come in a range of sizes and shapes, from delicate maidenhair ferns to larger tree ferns.

2. Hostas

Hostas are another good choice for a shady garden. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and their leaves can add texture and interest to your garden.

3. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for many gardens, and they do well in a north-west facing location. They come in a range of colors and can add a splash of color to your garden.

4. Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a great option for adding color to your garden. They come in a range of colors, from deep purples to bright pinks, and their leaves can add texture and interest to your garden.

5. Astilbes

Astilbes are another good choice for a shady garden. They produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white, and their foliage can add texture and interest to your garden.

6. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a classic cottage garden plant, and they do well in a north-west facing location. They produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and red, and their delicate foliage can add interest to your garden.

7. Japanese Anemones

Japanese anemones are a popular choice for adding late-summer color to your garden. They produce beautiful pink or white flowers on tall stems, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

8. Hellebores

Hellebores, also known as Christmas roses, are a great option for a shady garden. They produce beautiful cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

9. Foxgloves

Foxgloves are a popular choice for many gardens, and they do well in a north-west facing location. They produce tall spikes of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

10. Brunneras

Brunneras, also known as Siberian bugloss, are a great option for adding texture and interest to your garden. They produce delicate blue flowers in the spring, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

11. Pulmonarias

Pulmonarias, also known as lungworts, are a great option for a shady garden. They produce beautiful pink or purple flowers in the spring, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

12. Tiarellas

Tiarellas, also known as foamflowers, are a great option for adding texture and interest to your garden. They produce delicate white or pink flowers in the spring, and their foliage can add interest to your garden.

13. Corydalis

Corydalis is a delicate plant that produces beautiful pink or blue flowers in the spring. It's a great option for adding color and interest to your garden.

14. Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a great option for adding winter color to your garden. It produces delicate pink or white flowers in the winter, and its foliage can add interest to your garden.

15. Snowdrops

Snowdrops are a classic winter flower that produce delicate white flowers in the late winter. They're a great option for adding early-season interest to your garden.

Tips for Growing Plants in a North West Facing Garden

Here are some tips for growing plants in a north-west facing garden:

1. Choose shade-loving plants

As we've seen, many plants thrive in shady conditions, so choose plants that are suited to these conditions.

2. Consider soil type

The soil in a north-west facing garden may be cooler and damper than other locations, so it's important to choose plants that can cope with these conditions.

3. Add mulch

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden can help to retain moisture and keep the soil cool, which is ideal for many plants.

4. Water regularly

Regular watering is important in a north-west facing garden, as the soil may dry out more slowly than in other locations.

In a north-west facing garden doesn't have to be a challenge when it comes to choosing plants. By selecting shade-loving plants that can cope with cooler, damper conditions, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden.

FAQs

1. Can I grow vegetables in a north-west facing garden?

Yes, you can grow vegetables in a north-west facing garden. However, you'll need to choose varieties that are suited to shady conditions.

2. What is the best time of year to plant in a north-west facing garden?

The best time of year to plant in a north-west facing garden is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is cooler and damper.

3. How can I add interest to a north-west facing garden?

You can add interest to a north-west facing garden by using a variety of plants with different textures and colors. You could also consider adding features such as a water feature or garden sculpture.

4. How much should I water my north-west facing garden?

You should water your north-west facing garden regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. The amount of water required will depend on the specific plants you're growing and the weather conditions.

5. Are there any plants I should avoid in a north-west facing garden?

Plants that require full sun are unlikely to do well in a north-west facing garden. You should also avoid planting anything that requires dry or sandy soil, as the soil in a north-west facing garden is likely to be cooler and damper.