Spring picks for shade

VINCA
Also known as Periwinkle, although it now comes in lots of colours, with modern varieties having long flowering seasons.
Evergreen, its carpeting habit means it can spread into those areas where it is too hard to plant, such as directly under trees.

DICENTRA
Beautifully elegant perennials known under a host of names, including Bleeding Heart. They die down completely in early summer, making them perfect planting partners for late flowerers such as Fuchsias and Anemones to give a succession of interest.

VIOLA
Perennial and annual varieties of Viola are very helpful for areas of light shade. Low-growing and evergreen, they come in a huge choice of colours, with lengthy flowering periods. They are also bee-friendly and many are sweetly scented. If you are lucky they might self-seed for you!

AQUILEGIA
These mid-height perennials are best combined with a laissez-faire attitude: not only are they fond of self-seeding, they are also prone to changing colour.
Perfect for wild, naturalistic and cottage garden looks, but not ones for the control freaks!