10 Best North Facing Plants to Beautify Your Garden

Table of Contents

North facing gardens can seem daunting, but don't worry! You too can have a beautiful garden with the right plants. In this post, we’ll introduce you to 10 of the best north-facing plants available. These plants do well in cool and shady conditions and will liven up any dreary corner.

#10 Best North Facing Plants to Beautify Your Garden

##Introduction

###The north side of your garden tends to get less sunlight throughout the day, making it difficult for certain plants to grow. However, this doesn't mean that you can't have a beautiful garden on the north-facing side of your house! There are plenty of shade-loving plants that thrive in cooler temperatures and low light conditions.

##1. Rhododendron ###- Description

Rhododendrons are shrubs that produce clusters of showy flowers in spring and early summer. They require an acidic soil, so make sure to test your soil before planting. Rhododendrons come in a variety of sizes from dwarf to tree-size.

###- Growing tips

Rhododendrons appreciate well-draining soil with a high organic content. Avoid planting them too deeply or too shallowly. Water regularly, and use an acid fertilizer annually. Prune after flowering season to shape shrub or remove dead wood.

2. Hosta

###- Description

Hostas are perennials, primarily grown for their foliage, which is perfect for shade gardens. They also produce lovely flower spikes during the summer.

###- Growing tips

Plant hostas in fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Keep them well-watered but not soggy, and fertilize once a month during the growing season. Regular pruning of spent stems will maintain plant beauty.

3. Ferns

###- Description

Ferns come in many different heights and textures, and they add a unique and elegant touch to any garden. They can be planted individually or combined with other shade-loving plants.

###- Growing tips

Most ferns prefer rich soil with good drainage. Be cautious -- too much nitrogen may cause damage. Provide consistent moisture, and avoid allowing soils to dry out completely. Try to prune only the dead fronds throughout the year.

4. Heuchera

###- Description

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, offer colorful foliage all year-round. With small bell-shaped flowers in summer, they make a perfect accent plant.

###- Growing tips

Heucheras need well-drained moist soils. Test pH level for optimal results. Apply a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer when planting and annually afterward for ongoing growth. Pruning is recommended to promote new growth and revitalize the plant.

5. Bleeding Heart

###- Descriptions

Bleeding hearts are heart-shaped flowers that hang in a row from arching stems. With their pretty blooms, they brighten up a dim spot in any garden.

###- Growing tips

Bleeding Hearts flourish in fertile, humid, and well-drained sediment. Water thoroughly when needed making allowances that overwatering is harmful. Fertilize twice a month, in early spring and after blooming to encourage aesthetic growth.

6. Astilbe

###- Description

Astilbes have feathery blooms that come in colors from pink to red, superstar in shady gardens. Simply a stunning plant.

###- Growing tips

Astilbes need constant moisture, give them daily watering. It is best to top-dress every six to eight weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. Deadhead faded blooms immediately for attractive, healthy foliage.

7. Hydrangea

###- Description

Hydrangeas are loved for their massive, showy flowers. Choose the right bloom time for maximum color effects in your garden.

###- Growing tips

Hydrangeas require fertile soil and lots of water. Avoid scorching sun exposure by giving them filtered shading. Fertilize frequently with acid-based nutrients to achieve payoff improvements. Cut off old blossoms in early springtime to boost subsequent growth.

8. Helleborus

###- Description

Hellebores or Lenten roses is a long-lived plant that is full of evergreen glossy green leaves and regal buds. Flowers come in numerous shades of white through pink and purple.

###- Growing tips

Hellebores are adaptable specimens and often tolerate drought-like conditions. They require adequate moisture alongside stable soil pH levels. Do regular pruning annually in late winter and autumn to retain appearance and watch out for specific pests.

9. Impatiens

###- Description

Impatiens feature succulent leaves and calming regal blooms. Such vibrant annuals are widely popular around north-facing gardens for their ease of transplanting and maintenance.

###- Growing tips

Impatiens demand well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. Soil conditioning with organic elements improves the quality before planting. It's advisable to apply water-soluble nutrition every two weeks.

10. Japanese Anemone

###- Description

Japanese Anemones are bee-friendly perennial flowers in hues of pink and white colors. Blooming from late summer into fall makes it a garden favorite.

###- Growing tips

Japanese Anemones thrive in an acidic and moist soil, enriched with adequate phosphorus and potassium. They are easy to care for and require little attention beyond watering and occasional feeding.

##Conclusion

Although the north-facing side of your garden may be shaded and cooler than other areas, it doesn't mean you can't plant beautiful flowers and foliage there. In fact, many shade-loving plants thrive in these conditions and will add beauty and interest to your garden. Experiment with different types of plants to see what works best for your specific climate and landscape.

##FAQ

###What does 'north-facing' mean in gardening terms? A north-facing garden gets the excess shade, and sunshine is limited to just a few hours a day.

###Can any plant grow on the north-facing side of a house? There are plenty of shade-loving plants that grow well in cooler temperatures and low light conditions.

###How often do I need to water north-facing plants? Water daily, remembering that blooming plants may require more frequent watering, usually during hot weather.

###Do I need to amend soil for north-facing plants? Tests have indicated that junipers or other non-acidic plants residing on the north side would likely experience root diseases in amended, too much nutrient-rich soils.

How can I make my north-facing garden look more colorful?

Using a variety of colorful foliage adds diversity and enhances visual appeal. Different shapes, textures, and colors make the garden even more beautiful and lively.

###Can vegetables grow on the north-facing side of a house? Some vegetables such as cabbage, peas or carrots might survive while others may struggle.

###Are there any north-facing plants that attract bees or butterflies? For bees and butterflies, choose flowering species such as hydrangeas, hellebores, bledding heart, and japanese anemone.

###Do I need to fertilize north-facing plants differently from other plants? Nutrition requirements for north facing plants usually show little difference from other plants. Aim to provide balanced nutrition in proper amounts.

Can I grow trees on the north-facing side of a house?

Trees such as Japanese Maple, dogwood, redbud, or witch-hazel can flourish on the north side of the house.

###What is the difference between a north-facing and south-facing garden? A south-facing garden has more exposure to sun, whereas a north-facing garden receives limited sun exposure. That means south becomes warmer and drier, while the north remains cooler and relatively damp.