Selection guide
Choose by site
A plant that suits its site grows without trouble. Start with how much light the site gets and what the soil is like.
Sun and droughtOpen sites in full sun with free-draining soil. Steppe perennials and grasses that cope with a hot summer.Sunny borderA border by the house with ordinary garden soil and plenty of light. Long-flowering perennials.Partial shadeEdges of trees and shrubs, and places that get sun for only part of the day.ShadeUnder tree canopies and by north-facing walls. Leaf, texture and delicate flowers.Dry shadeThe hardest spot in the garden: shade under trees with dry soil. These plants can cope with it.Moist siteSoil that does not dry out even in summer, for example near water or in a hollow.