Project 2025 New shady container garden. Need suggestions

I’m relaying a paved area as the Yorkshire stone has become uneven and a few guests have tripped. I’m using it as an opportunity to stick a pergola up for my grape which is beginning to do very well. The pergola gets afternoon and evening sun in summer but it is north facing. Not much I can do about this. I’m looking for suggestions for container plants that will liven the area up. Ferns and hostas are obvious but are there any less obvious plants that are hardy and would do well in a container with that much/little sun?

 

Heucheras might do the job and there are so many varieties to choose from

 

Phormiums will tolerate shade and being in a container. As long you don't get harsh winters where you are, one of the smaller varieties like P. Cream Delight, P. Blondie or P. Duet might suit, they are variegated and will lighten up the space as well as add movement. Nandina and Mahonia Soft Caress are other options. I also like Heucheras, they do well in shade and containers.

 

Hi,

There are Clematis and Climbing Roses that would grow ok over your pergola, if put in large enough containers.

Climbing roses for north-facing or shady walls / RHS

Clematis for shade

 

Heucheras and mahonia soft caress have already been mentioned, so I will add hellebores and heucherellas (I plan to get some "brass lantern" heucherellas in Spring). Sarcococcas also do well in shade, if they suit what you have in mind.

 

If you go for a big container, an evergreen shrub or small tree could perhaps look great. I just bought this B&Q pot, and boy is it big! Camellia and Arbutus Unedo spring to mind.

 

A tree fern is another option, hardy down to minus 5C.