Do you have a shady spot in your home or yard that doesn’t get much sunlight? If it’s facing north, you’re not alone! North-facing areas are known for getting the least amount of direct sun. That can make it tricky to grow plants, but not impossible.
With the right plants, you can still transform those darker corners into vibrant, green spaces. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about north-facing spots and the plants that love them. From indoor favorites like the snake plant to outdoor champs like ferns and hostas, there are plenty of low-light plants that can thrive.
I’ll also share care tips to help them grow strong and healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to refresh a shady area, this guide has you covered. Let’s dig in and get planting!
What Are North-Facing Areas?
North-facing areas are places that don’t get much direct sunlight. In the northern hemisphere, the sun moves across the southern part of the sky. That means north-facing windows, gardens, or porches usually stay in the shade most of the day.
If you’ve ever noticed one side of your house stays dim while the other side gets all the sun, the shady side is probably facing north. While that might seem like a bad thing for plants, don’t worry! There are plenty of plants that love low light and do great in these spaces.
Common Challenges of North-Facing Spaces
North-facing spots can be tricky when it comes to growing plants. Since they don’t get much sunlight, you’ll need to think a little differently about what you plant and how you care for it.
- Low light – These areas get mostly indirect or soft light, which isn’t enough for sun-loving plants.
- Cooler temperatures – Less sun means the space stays cooler, which can slow down plant growth.
- More moisture – Shade can cause the soil to stay damp longer, making some plants more likely to get root rot.
- Slow drainage – Without sun to dry things out, water can hang around in the soil, especially after rain or watering.
Even with these challenges, don’t give up! You just need to choose the right plants and care techniques.
Best Indoor Plants for North-Facing Spaces
Just because your room doesn’t get a lot of sun doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy indoor plants. North-facing windows may not offer strong light, but there are still plenty of plants that love that soft, steady glow. These low-light champions are perfect for shady corners and window sills that don’t see much sun.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are tough and super easy to care for. They can handle low light, dry air, and even a little neglect. Their tall, upright leaves look modern and neat, making them perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or living rooms. You don’t need to water them often, either—wait until the soil feels dry.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a real low-light hero. It has shiny, deep green leaves that brighten up any space, even without a lot of sun. This plant grows slowly but stays healthy with very little attention. It’s great for beginners or anyone who forgets to water now and then.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies not only love low light, but they also bloom indoors with pretty white flowers. They’re also great for air purification, helping to clean the air in your home. Just keep the soil slightly moist, and it will thrive. If the leaves droop, that’s your cue to water.
4. Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants around. It grows well in low light and looks lovely in a hanging basket or trailing from a shelf. Its heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green, yellow, or even white. Pothos grows quickly, so you’ll notice progress even in dim spots.
5. Philodendron
Like pothos, philodendrons are low-maintenance and love to trail or climb. They do well in soft, indirect light and are very forgiving if you forget a watering here and there. Their bold green leaves bring a fresh look to any room. You can grow them in pots, hanging baskets, or even train them up a moss pole.
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
As the name suggests, this plant is almost impossible to kill. The cast iron plant can survive in dark corners, dry air, and even a bit of dust. Its long, pointed leaves add a graceful touch, and it doesn’t mind being left alone for a while. It’s great for spots where other plants might struggle.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens are perfect for low-light spots and come in a variety of leaf colors—from silver and green to red and pink. They grow slowly and don’t need a lot of fuss, making them a great choice for busy plant parents. Their colorful leaves brighten up any corner without needing much sun.
8. Ferns (Like the Boston Fern)
Some types of ferns can do well in indirect light, especially if you keep the air a little humid. They have soft, feathery fronds that add texture and a touch of the outdoors to any room. Just mist them occasionally and make sure they don’t dry out completely.
If your north-facing room is extra dark, consider placing your plant close to the window and rotating it every few weeks. This helps all sides of the plant get some light and grow evenly.
Best Outdoor Plants for North-Facing Gardens
Got a garden that barely sees the sun? Don’t worry, north-facing gardens may be shady, but they can still be full of life and color. You just need to choose plants that love low light and cooler spots. Many shade-loving outdoor plants are not only easy to care for, but they also bring texture, color, and flowers to your space.
1. Ferns
Ferns are a top choice for shady gardens. Their soft, feathery leaves add a woodland feel, and they don’t mind damp soil or cooler temps. The Japanese Painted Fern is especially pretty, with silvery leaves and a touch of purple. Just make sure the soil stays moist, and your ferns will be happy.
2. Hostas
Hostas are shade garden favorites. They come in many sizes and colors, from deep green to light lime, and some even have stripes. Their large leaves make a big impact in flower beds or around trees. Hostas like rich, moist soil and look great next to other leafy plants.
3. Astilbes
Astilbes are known for their fluffy flower spikes in shades of pink, white, red, or purple. They bloom in summer and love moist, shady spots. Their fern-like leaves also stay green and fresh through the season. Plant them in groups for a big burst of color.
4. Hydrangeas (Shade-Tolerant Types)
Some types of hydrangeas, like the Bigleaf or Oakleaf variety, do well in north facing gardens. They enjoy morning light and afternoon shade, which works perfectly in these areas. With their big, beautiful blooms, hydrangeas bring a classic charm to your garden.
5. Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not)
Brunnera is a low-growing plant with heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers in spring. It’s a great ground cover for shady gardens. The leaves often have a silvery shine that brightens up darker spots, and it pairs nicely with ferns and hostas.
6. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera offers colorful foliage in shades like burgundy, lime green, and even silver. The leaves stay colorful all year, and small flowers appear in late spring. It’s a great plant for borders or mixed beds and does well in low light. You can mix different varieties for a bold and textured look in shady areas.
7. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort has speckled leaves and bright flowers in shades of pink, purple, or blue. It blooms in early spring and is one of the first plants to show color in a shady garden. It also stays low to the ground and spreads gently over time. This plant is also deer-resistant, making it a smart choice for woodland gardens.
8. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
This plant has lovely heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. Bleeding hearts love shade and bloom in spring, adding soft pink or white color to your garden. Their lacy green leaves fill in nicely even after the blooms are gone. They pair well with hostas, ferns, and other shade plants for a soft, romantic vibe.
North-facing gardens may not get a lot of sun, but with the right plants, they can be just as beautiful as a sunny yard. Mix different shapes, leaf colors, and blooming times to create a cozy, inviting space.
Flowering and Low-Maintenance Plants for North-Facing Spaces
If you’re looking to add warmth to your north-facing area without spending too much time on care, you’re in luck. There are plenty of plants that bloom in the shade and don’t need a lot of fuss. Whether you’re planting indoors or outside, these flowering and low-maintenance plants are perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers.
Flowering Plants
| Plant Name | Flower Color | Bloom Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toad Lily | Purple, White | Late summer to fall | Woodland-style gardens |
| Columbine | Red, Purple, Yellow | Spring | Borders, wildflower gardens |
| Japanese Anemone | Pink, White | Late summer to fall | Mixed shade flower beds |
| Barrenwort (Epimedium) | Yellow, Pink | Spring | Ground cover under trees |
| Corydalis | Blue, Yellow | Spring to early summer | Shady rock gardens or borders |
| Trillium | White, Red, Purple | Spring | Natural woodland gardens |
These flowers bring color to darker spots and do great with limited sunlight. Just be sure to check their watering needs—some like it a bit damp while others prefer dry roots.
Low-Maintenance Plants
| Plant Name | Leaf Color | Key Feature | Care Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Forest Grass | Bright green to gold | Graceful, flowing shape | Easy |
| Bergenia | Green to reddish | Large leaves, pink spring flowers | Easy |
| Sweet Woodruff | Bright green | Fragrant leaves, white flowers | Very easy |
| Solomon’s Seal | Green with white edges | Arching stems with small flowers | Easy |
| Lamium | Green and silver | Fast-growing ground cover | Easy |
| Ajuga (Bugleweed) | Dark green to bronze | Spreads well, purple flowers | Very easy |
These plants are perfect if you don’t have time for daily watering or pruning. They’re strong, reliable, and still look great with just a little care.
Whether you’re after blooms or just want something you won’t kill by accident, these two lists should help you find the perfect plant pals for your shady space. You really can enjoy a lovely garden or home with low light and low effort!
How to Care for Plants in North-Facing Spots
Taking care of plants in a north-facing area is a little different than caring for plants in full sun. These spots get soft, indirect light, so you need to adjust your care routine. The good news? With a few simple tips, your plants can still grow healthy and strong!
- Place plants close to the window: This gives them as much light as possible.
- Rotate your plants every few weeks: This helps all sides get equal light.
- Use mirrors or light-colored walls: They reflect more light toward the plants.
- Add a grow light if needed: Great for extra-dark rooms.
- Water less often: Shady spots dry out slower, so check the soil before watering.
- Use pots with drainage holes: This prevents water from sitting and causing root rot.
- Clean leaves gently: Dust can block the little light they get.
With just a bit of care and attention, your plants will love their cozy north-facing home. Start small, be patient, and watch your space turn green and lively!
Conclusion
North-facing spaces may not get a lot of sunlight, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be full of life and beauty. With the right plants, you can turn shady corners into peaceful, green spots that feel fresh and inviting.
From easy-care houseplants to blooming garden favorites, there are so many great options that love low light. Just remember to give them a little extra attention when it comes to light and watering.
Whether you’re working with a small room or a big garden, there’s a perfect plant for your space. So go ahead—get planting and enjoy your north-facing oasis. It’s easier than you think, and the results will brighten your day in more ways than one.
