Rock gardens are usually associated with a sunny, dry location and magnificent carpets of flowers. However, only a few people know that such a garden can also thrive on a north-facing shady side. In fact, a whole range of rock garden plants thrive in sunny locations. However, it must not be excessively wet here either.
The Bergenie feels comfortable in shady locations
Suitable locations in northern locations
A dry, perhaps sloping location on a slope is also ideal for the rock garden in northern locations. Rainwater can run off here, but it must not collect at the foot of the embankment. Good drainage, perhaps even with pipes and plenty of gravel in the substructure, is therefore essential. Furthermore, the north-facing location of the planned shade garden should not necessarily be directly in front of a house wall, because the sun never really gets there.
The right plants for the shady rock garden
The selection of suitable plants for the rock garden is - perhaps contrary to expectations - large. Ferns such as wall rue (Asplenium rutamuraria) feel particularly at home in full shade. This tiny creature can be found in wall joints and between stones. The pretty spleen fern (Asplenium trichomanes) doesn't need much space either. In contrast to the stag's tongue fern (Phylitis scolopendrium) or polypody (Polypodium vulgare), which grow significantly larger. The evergreen ground cover hazel root is also perfect for sunny locations.
Flowering plants for the shade garden
You don't have to do without beautiful flowers on the north side either.
- Günsel (Ajuga reptans) needs a little more moisture.
- The Waldsteinia (Waldsteinia ternata) is evergreen and forms yellow flowers.
- The foam flower (Tiarelle cordifolia) also prefers moist soil.
- The memorial (Omphalodes verna) is related to the forget-me-not.
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) often blooms as early as the end of February.
- The porcelain flower (Saxifraga umbrosa) also belongs to the spring bloomers.
- Bergenia comes in many varieties and different flowering times.
- The Corydalis (Corydalis lutea) is an undemanding continuous bloomer.
- The tiny cymbal (Cymbalaria muralis) spreads quickly in natural stone walls.
- The Haberlea (Haberlea rhodopensis) scores with pretty light blue flowers.
- The rock plate (Ramonda myconi) feels most comfortable in the cool shade.
- The gold droplet (Chiastophyllum oppositifolium) shows golden yellow flower clusters.
- The moss saxifrage (Saxifraga x arendsii) is also one of the typical plants for the north side.
tips
Many herbs also thrive very well in shady rock gardens, such as comfrey, lovage and others. Boxwood is particularly suitable for trees and shrubs.