Shady Collection
Shady Collection
Enhance shady pondside areas with our curated Shady Collection of ferns, heucheras, and hostas.
Brighten shaded pondside areas with our Shade Plant Collection, featuring a curated mix of lush foliage and delicate flowers. Perfect for dappled or low-light conditions, these plants bring colour and structure to shaded borders and containers. From textured ferns to bold hostas, this collection supports pollinators and provides shelter for small wildlife near your pond.
Each pack contains a balanced variety of shade-loving favourites: ferns for graceful, delicate fronds and a woodland feel; heucheras for their striking foliage in a range of colours, from deep purples to lime greens; hostas for their bold, architectural leaves that create dramatic focal points. These plants not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also support local wildlife by providing shelter, nectar, and habitats for pollinators and other species.
The exact varieties may vary depending on the season, as our trusted UK growers hand-select the very best plants available. These collections offer a quick and easy way to bring texture, colour, and life to shaded areas around your pond, borders, or containers.
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Plant essentials
Key Characteristics:
- Height 20cm to 70cm (Medium Growth).
- Spread: up to 1m
- Flower Colour: White, pink, or soft purple
- Growth Habit: A mix of spreading and clumping perennials.
- Foliage: Textured and colourful leaves.
Additional Information:
- Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil at ground level
- Flowering Period:
- Hardiness: Hardy in most UK areas; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)
- Protects Emerging Amphibians 🐸 | Shelters Small Wildlife 🦔
Dispatch Information:
- Normally Available From: 1ltr - Jan to May | 3ltr Mar to Jul
Note: These plants are designed to enhance the area around your pond at ground level. They are ideal for borders, containers, or shaded spaces - not for planting directly in the pond.
Your Plants At Arrival
Your garden plant collection will arrive in sturdy pots along with a care card for guidance.
Simply follow the planting instructions provided with each plant to meet its specific needs, and water them thoroughly after planting.
Perennial Pot Measurements:
1ltr - Round pot
Height - 11.5cm
Base - 9.5cm
Top - 13cm
2ltr - Round pot
Height - 13.5cm
Base - 12.5cm
Top - 17cm
3ltr - Round pot
Height - 15cm
Base - 14cm
Top - 18.5cm
4.5ltr - Round pot
Height - 19cm
Base - 14cm
Top - 17.5cm
How to Grow
Growing Instructions: Plant in moist, well drained soil at ground level around the pond - ideal for borders or containers, not for pond margins or shelves.
Position in partial shade or full shade for optimal growth. Water regularly during dry periods, particularly during the first growing season, to help plants establish strong roots.
Space plants approximately 6-9 per sqm for 1ltr pots or 3-5 per sqm for 3ltr pots to allow room for growth and proper air circulation.
Growing Tips: Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil before planting to improve moisture retention and soil structure.
Apply a layer of mulch in early spring to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots. Avoid planting too deeply; the crown of each plant should sit just at or slightly above the soil level to prevent rotting. Regular maintenance, such as weeding and removing debris, will help plants thrive.
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Shade-loving plants require minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring to encourage fresh, healthy growth. Trim faded flower stalks on heucheras after blooming to maintain a neat appearance. For hostas, allow the foliage to die back naturally in autumn before cutting it to ground level. Ferns benefit from trimming away old fronds in late winter to make way for new growth.
Pests/Diseases: Shade plants are generally hardy but may be affected by pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids. Amphibians living near your pond, including frogs and newts, act as natural pest controllers, feeding on slugs and snails and helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Inspect plants regularly for aphids and promote biological controls like ladybirds. Keep shaded areas well-maintained with proper spacing to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Ordering, Shipping & Returns
What is a Pre-Order?
Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.
Ordering Tip!
Many customers prefer to place two separate orders when ordering early in the season.
- One for plants available now.
- One for pre-order plants.
This ensures there are no delays, and you can enjoy your ready now plants sooner.
Shipping Prices
Plant Orders:
- Standard Delivery: £6.00.
- Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).
Highlands & Islands:
- Small Orders (<1.8kg): £6.00.
- Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.
Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.
Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.
Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland or Europe.
Read More about delivery prices
Couriers & Delivery Schedule
Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, DX and Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).
Shipping Schedule
- Aquatic Plants: Dispatch Schedule varies dependant on season.
- Garden Plants: Dispatched twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.
If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk
Returns
Unpacking Your Plants
When your plants arrive, please unpack them carefully:
- Plants are packed in protective plastic bags. Check if any stems, leaves, or flowers are stuck to the inside of the bag before removing it.
- Gently peel off any stuck parts before removing the plant to prevent damage.
- Minor soil displacement or damage to leaves/stems during transit is normal and won’t affect the plant’s recovery.
If you’re concerned about your plants, take photos and email us, and we’ll assist you.
Damaged or Incorrect Items
If your plants or items arrive damaged, or you’ve received an incorrect item:
- Take clear photos of the packaging and damaged items.
- Email us with your order number (starting PFP) and the photos.
We’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Returns of Plants/Molluscs (Non-Faulty)
Due to the perishable nature of plants and molluscs, we are unable to accept cancellations or returns for these items. If you are unhappy with your plant or mollusc, please take photos and email us with your order number (starting PFP).
For more details about returns and our full policy, please visit our Returns Policy
Perennial Plants
All our plants come from a UK family run garden plant nursery, established over 50 years ago.