It is generally acknowledged that the UK’s climate is getting warmer. 2022 is on record as being the UK’s warmest year, and 2023 the second warmest. We’re also experiencing more sunshine, with more than a 5% increase since the early 1960s.
Whilst it is generally lovely to have more sunshine, excessively high summer temperatures can result in us longing for a bit of shade in the garden!
Using plants to create shade is a natural and beautiful way to achieve this. They can be planted alone or trained to grow up and over structures such as pergolas and trellises.
Trees for Garden Shade
Trees are generally the first thought when creating shade in the garden, but do choose carefully; ideally, a tree that produces a wide canopy of stems rather than one with an upright habit. Flowering cherry trees are great examples with the added bonus of pretty spring blossoms.
If a tree canopy is too dense, although it will give you shade, it can also create a gloomy, light-excluding effect—not what the doctor ordered!
If shade is only needed during the hot summer months, choose a deciduous tree. These will allow more light through in the winter and give scope to grow a wider variety of plants underneath.
Drought-tolerant trees are worth considering due to increasing temperatures. Good options include silver birch and Catalpa (the Indian bean tree), which has large golden-yellow leaves and, as it matures, beautiful fragrant flowers followed by intriguing bean pods.
Parasol Trees for Modern Shade Solutions
Also known as tabularis or tabletop trees, these single-stemmed trees have side branches trained out horizontally over a steel, bamboo, or hazel frame to create a flat canopy. The central leaders are trimmed to maintain this elegant shape.
Often seen on the continent, they’re becoming a popular natural alternative to man-made pergolas and arbours for creating garden shade.
They’re also ideal for stylish privacy screening in small gardens, especially when overlooked. London plane trees are a favourite thanks to their straight stem and ability to withstand urban pollution.
Consider Aspect for Maximum Shade
Think about where you’d like to sit at different times of day, and track the sun’s movement to decide where to site your shade-giving tree or structure. Sun path planning is key to effective garden shading.
Hedges for Shade and Wildlife
A strategically placed short line of hedging—such as yew, beech, or hornbeam—can provide excellent shade and also make a wonderful wildlife habitat, especially for birds. This is a great option for natural garden screening.
Shrubs That Offer Natural Shade
Shrubs can grow into small trees and are ideal for smaller gardens. Removing lower branches allows you to place chairs beneath them for a relaxing, shaded nook. Good choices include elder, hazel, and lilac.
If your soil is acidic, rhododendrons and camellias are attractive evergreen options that bring colour and structure whilst contributing to shaded areas.
Climbers for Pergolas and Garden Structures
When space is limited, installing a garden pergola and training climbing plants over it is a perfect solution for creating overhead shade.
Fast-Growing Climbing Plants for Shade
Fast-growing climbing vines are excellent, provided you match the plant to the size of your structure.
Fruiting grape vines are a classic choice, with dessert and wine varieties available, and the added bonus of making dolmades from the leaves!
‘Mile-a-minute’ (Fallopia baldschuanica) covers structures quickly but note that it can reach 12m x 4m. It’s best suited to large or sturdy pergolas.
Virginia creepers offer fast cover and stunning autumn foliage in bright reds. For spring cheer, Clematis montana is a vigorous Group 1 climber that needs no pruning and quickly forms a woody network.
Wisteria, with its romantic scent and cascading spring flowers, is another wonderful option—just prune twice a year (December and July) to keep it in check.
Climbing and Rambling Roses for Summer Shade
Who doesn’t love a rose? For height and coverage, there are plenty of climbing and rambling rose varieties.
Rambling roses have a relaxed habit and are easy to train over curved pergolas or arbours. Be careful with vigorous types like ‘Kiftsgate’, which can grow up to 60 feet! More moderate options that repeat flower all summer include ‘Rambling Rosie’ and ‘Malvern Hills’.
Climbing roses tend to be stiffer and are ideal for growing up trellises or pergola uprights. Try ‘The Generous Gardener’ or ‘Scent From Heaven’—both are scented and well-behaved growers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1 – What are the best trees for creating shade in small UK gardens?
If you’re working with a compact space, opt for smaller shade-giving trees like Amelanchier, Crab apple (Malus), or Flowering cherry trees. They have manageable canopies, seasonal interest, and shallow root systems that won’t interfere with nearby planting.
2 – What’s the difference between climbing and rambling roses for shade?
Climbing roses have stiff, upright canes ideal for pergola posts and trellises, whilst rambling roses have flexible stems perfect for draping over arches and curves. Ramblers like ‘Rambling Rosie’ offer broader coverage and can flower profusely.
3 – Can shrubs provide enough shade to sit under in summer?
Yes, many large shade-giving shrubs like hazel, elder, and lilac can be pruned into multi-stemmed small trees. Removing lower branches creates room for a shady seating area beneath their leafy canopy.
4 – Which plants are suitable for covering pergolas and creating overhead shade?
Try a mix of climbers for pergolas such as wisteria, roses, and Clematis montana. They offer seasonal colour and will grow over the structure to form a natural roof of foliage and blooms.
5 – What are parasol trees, and how do they provide shade?
Parasol trees (also called tabletop trees) are specially trained with a flat canopy, often over a frame. They’re brilliant for creating garden shade in patios or urban gardens and offer a continental look with natural charm.
David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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