Rhododendrons for shade
Rhododendrons are perfect spring-flowering plants for brightening up shady gardens. They succeed in partial or moderate (but not full) shade while azaleas – part of the rhododendron group – will thrive providing they get at least 4 hours or more of direct sun per day. Keep in mind that all rhododendrons need some sun to produce the most profuse flowers - too much shade can be a cause of fewer blooms and spindly growth. In the wild, rhododendrons grow as woodland plants, so dappled sun below the canopies of trees is where they are most at home. Native to places like the Himalayas, they like plenty of water with many varies being particularly hardy to cold temperatures too but avoid chalky, alkaline or waterlogged soils. Rhododendrons are of course acid loving plants, so benefit from some leaf mould or home-made compost being worked into the bottom of the hole when planting. Rhododendrons, which is Greek for Rose Tree, are popular for their prolific blooms, shiny year-round foliage and beautiful early spring flowers when few other plants are in bloom.