{"title":"Shade Loving Heroes","description":"\u003cp\u003eTransform difficult, shady spots into your garden's highlight with our curated 'Shade Heroes' collection. We have united the three titans of the woodland garden to provide a complete planting solution: Hostas for architectural foliage and ground cover, Astilbe for vertical splashes of colour, and Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) for early spring romance. Supplied as professional-grade bare roots, these hardy perennials establish quickly to create a lush, textured sanctuary in cool, dappled light.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hosta-big-daddy","title":"Hosta 'Big Daddy' (Plantain lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a statement perennial for shade, grown for its huge, blue-grey, heavily puckered leaves that form a dramatic mound in borders and large containers, bringing texture and calm structure all season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clump-forming plant, it can reach around 60cm high (and larger in time) with a substantial spread, making it ideal as a focal point in shady beds. In early summer it produces stems of pale, bell-shaped flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots and benefit from shelter from hot afternoon sun to keep foliage looking its best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater regularly during dry weather, particularly in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems for a tidy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for woodland borders, shady courtyards and container displays, ‘Big Daddy’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides bold foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111836475725,"sku":"HOS-BIG-DAD-3","price":5.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 bare roots","offer_id":53111836508493,"sku":"HOS-BIG-DAD-6","price":9.53,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/Hosta_20big_20daddy_20_plantain_20lily_20SQUARE-2.jpg?v=1769557368"},{"product_id":"hosta-patriot-fortunei","title":"Hosta 'Patriot' (fortunei) (Plantain lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta ‘Patriot’ is a reliable shade perennial with bold, white-edged leaves that bring instant brightness to woodland borders, shady patios and large containers, adding texture and structure from spring to autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForming a clump to around 55cm tall, it produces spikes of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer. The leaves are puckered and sturdy, creating a handsome mound that works as groundcover or a focal point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots, so they benefit from mulch and from protection from hot afternoon sun in exposed gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater regularly in dry spells, especially in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems after flowering for a tidy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for shady borders, underplanting, and container displays, ‘Patriot’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides strong foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53111837884749,"sku":"HOS-PATRIO-1","price":2.93,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 bare root","offer_id":53111837917517,"sku":"HOS-PATRIO-3","price":7.13,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/HOSTA_20PATRIOT_20fortunei_20SQUARE_203-topaz.jpg?v=1767369670"},{"product_id":"astilbe-japonica-bonn","title":"Astilbe japonica 'Bonn'","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstilbe japonica ‘Bonn’ produces soft, feathery plumes of deep pink flowers that bring a light, elegant feel to shady borders, woodland gardens and moisture-retentive containers in early summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compact, clump-forming perennial, it typically reaches around 10–50cm, carrying flowers just above attractive, fern-like foliage. Plant in drifts for a glowing, cloud-like effect through June and July.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in dappled or partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Astilbes dislike drying out, so they perform best where the soil stays evenly moist, including near ponds or in consistently watered borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater during dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and cut back spent flower stems if you prefer a tidy look. Alternatively, leave seedheads for gentle texture into autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for shady borders and waterside planting, ‘Bonn’ combines beautifully with hostas, ferns and brunnera. The plumes also make charming stems for cutting or drying.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53111846535501,"sku":"AST-JAP-BON-1","price":2.74,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111846568269,"sku":"AST-JAP-BON-3","price":5.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"9 bare roots","offer_id":53111846601037,"sku":"AST-JAP-BON-9","price":10.74,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/ASTILBE_20BONN_20japonica_20SQUARE_203-topaz.jpg?v=1767369670"},{"product_id":"astilbe-arendsii-brautschleier","title":"Astilbe × arendsii 'Brautschleier'","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstilbe ‘Brautschleier’ (also known as ‘Bridal Veil’) produces elegant, creamy-white plumes that float above fresh green foliage, brightening shady borders and moisture-retentive beds in early summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fully hardy, clump-forming perennial, it reaches roughly 50–100cm depending on conditions. The tapering flower spikes create a soft vertical accent and look especially effective planted in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in moist but well-drained or even boggy soil in dappled shade or indirect sun. Astilbes are drought intolerant and can scorch in hot sun, so consistent moisture is the key to success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater during dry spells, mulch in spring, and cut back spent stems as needed. Divide established clumps in late winter or early spring to maintain vigour and keep flowering strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect for woodland borders, waterside planting and shady containers, ‘Brautschleier’ pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns. The flowers are also useful for cutting and add texture to arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111847059789,"sku":"AST-BRAUTS-3","price":5.93,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"9 bare roots","offer_id":53111847092557,"sku":"AST-BRAUTS-9","price":11.93,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/ASTILBE_20BRAUTSCHLEIER_20arendsii_20SQUARE_201-topaz.jpg?v=1767369669"},{"product_id":"hosta-sieboldiana-elegans","title":"Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans (Blue hosta)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta sieboldiana var. elegans is a classic shade perennial prized for its bold, heavily textured foliage that adds structure to borders, woodland gardens, and large containers from spring right through autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForming a broad, clump-forming mound, this hosta develops blue-grey leaves that become even more impressive as the plant matures, creating a strong backdrop for neighbouring flowers and underplanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with partial shade. It performs best where the ground stays evenly moist, especially during the first growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater regularly in dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and remove tired foliage as it dies back. Protect emerging growth from slugs and snails, and divide congested clumps every few years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIdeal for shady borders and underplanting, hostas also provide valuable cover for beneficial wildlife and bring a calm, architectural feel to planting schemes where flowers can be harder to achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111848075597,"sku":"HOS-ELEGAN-3","price":5.93,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 bare roots","offer_id":53111848108365,"sku":"HOS-ELEGAN-6","price":7.73,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/Hosta_20sieboldiana_20var__20elegans_20SQUARE-topaz.jpg?v=1767369669"},{"product_id":"hosta-frances-williams","title":"Hosta 'Frances Williams' (Plantain lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta ‘Frances Williams’ is a much-loved perennial for shade, combining bold, puckered leaves with attractive variegation that brightens borders, woodland edges, and containers throughout the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe broad, heart-shaped foliage forms a generous clump and provides strong ground cover, while pale lilac summer flowers rise above the leaves on tall stems, adding a softer, seasonal highlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered position helps prevent leaf scorch, and consistent moisture supports the best leaf colour and overall plant performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater well in dry weather, mulch in spring to retain moisture, and remove old foliage once it dies back. Slug protection is helpful in spring, and clumps can be divided every few years to rejuvenate plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for shade borders and underplanting, this hosta also works beautifully in large pots and brings a calm, architectural feel to planting designs where flowers are secondary to foliage impact.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111848665421,"sku":"HOS-FRA-WIL-3","price":5.93,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"6 bare roots","offer_id":53111848698189,"sku":"HOS-FRA-WIL-6","price":7.73,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/Hosta_20_Frances_20Williams_20SQUARE_204-topaz.jpg?v=1767369669"},{"product_id":"dicentra-formosa-luxuriant","title":"Dicentra 'Luxuriant' (Bleeding heart)","description":"\u003cp\u003eDicentra ‘Luxuriant’ is a fern‑leaf bleeding heart that forms a neat clump of finely divided foliage, sending up arching stems of dangling blooms from late spring. Unlike the taller, old-fashioned Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly Dicentra spectabilis), which typically goes dormant and disappears by mid-summer, ‘Luxuriant’ remains a presence in the garden throughout the season. It is a lovely choice for softening paths, borders, and woodland plantings where lasting greenery is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in moist, humus‑rich soil that won’t bake dry. While the common spectabilis requires deep shade to preserve its foliage, ‘Luxuriant’ is more versatile and can cope with sunnier positions if the ground stays moist. Tuck it between hostas and ferns to fill the gaps that spring-only bleeding hearts would leave behind.\u003cbr\u003eSet plants at the same depth they were growing and mulch in spring. The primary advantage over its larger relative is stamina; while spectabilis finishes its show in early June, a light trim and regular watering will encourage ‘Luxuriant’ to produce a fresh flush of growth and blooms well into summer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flowers are a rich cherry tone—deeper and more consistent than the classic pink-and-white hearts of spectabilis—bringing a warm accent to the garden. You’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, ready to provide reliable spring‑to‑summer colour and attractive, ferny foliage that keeps borders looking finished long after other bleeding hearts have faded.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53111874453837,"sku":"DIC-LUXURI-1","price":2.94,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111874486605,"sku":"DIC-LUXURI-3","price":7.84,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"9 bare roots","offer_id":53111874519373,"sku":"DIC-LUXURI-9","price":18.78,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/DICENTRA_20FORMOSA_20LUXURIANT_20SQUARE_203-topaz.jpg?v=1769555990"},{"product_id":"hosta-halcyon-tardiana","title":"Hosta (Tardiana Group) 'Halcyon' (Plantain lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta (Tardiana Group) ‘Halcyon’ is prized for its thick, blue‑grey leaves that form a tidy mound in shaded borders. In summer, slender stems carry soft purple, bell‑shaped flowers that add a gentle lift above the foliage without stealing the show.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in fertile, moisture‑retentive soil that drains well. Partial shade is best, though it will tolerate some sun if the ground stays evenly moist. It’s ideal under shrubs, along shady paths, or as a calming foil to brighter, variegated hostas and woodland perennials.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSet plants at the same depth as they were growing and water well while they establish. Mulch in spring to keep roots cool, feed the soil and reduce watering. In autumn, let foliage die back naturally, then clear away old leaves before new shoots emerge in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e‘Halcyon’ brings dependable structure and colour contrast: pair it with ferns, bleeding hearts and astrantias, or use it to edge a border where you want a clean, repeating rhythm. The flowers can also be enjoyed as simple, understated cut stems indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. With steady moisture and a little patience, it will bulk up into a long‑lived clump that returns reliably year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111876288845,"sku":"HOS-HALCYO-3","price":4.44,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 bare roots","offer_id":53111876321613,"sku":"HOS-HALCYO-6","price":7.94,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/HOSTA_20HALCYON_20tardiana_20SQUARE_202-topaz.jpg?v=1769555937"},{"product_id":"dicentra-spectabilis","title":"Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding heart)","description":"\u003cp\u003eLamprocapnos spectabilis (syn. Dicentra spectabilis) is the classic bleeding heart, loved for its arching stems lined with heart‑shaped flowers in spring. The blooms are typically pink with white tips, and the softly divided foliage gives a graceful, traditional cottage‑garden look.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in moist, fertile soil that drains well. It’s perfect beneath light‑canopied trees, alongside hostas and ferns, or tucked into the middle of a border where later‑flowering plants can take over as it finishes for the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSet the crown at the same depth as it was growing and water well while it establishes. Mulch in spring to keep roots cool and retain moisture. In very dry spells, watering helps prevent the plant going dormant too quickly after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter blooming, foliage may fade back as summer arrives. Leave it to die down naturally, then clear away old stems once they are dry. Mark the spot so you don’t disturb the crown, and avoid digging close to the plant while it’s resting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou’ll receive one plant in the stated grade, dispatched in season for planting. With a little patience, it will form a long‑lived clump that returns each spring with a fresh display of dangling hearts, ready to welcome pollinators back to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53111877271885,"sku":"DIC-SPECTA-1","price":3.53,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53111877304653,"sku":"DIC-SPECTA-3","price":8.63,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/DICENTRA_20SPECTABILIS_20BLEEDING_20HEARTS_20SQUARE-topaz_1f4eb6a4-d038-45fe-9e32-3f734a845fae.jpg?v=1769555867"},{"product_id":"hosta-blue-mouse-ears-plantain-lily","title":"Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' (Plantain Lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a charming miniature hosta grown chiefly for its rounded, blue-grey leaves, which form a neat, dense clump ideal for shady containers, front-of-border positions and small-space planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn summer it carries short stems of lavender flowers above the foliage, adding a soft seasonal lift without distracting from the plant's tidy, compact form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but drains well, and protect young shoots from slugs while the plant establishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater during dry spells, especially in pots, and remove old leaves in late winter or early spring before the new foliage emerges.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53539937386829,"sku":"HOS-BLU-MOU-1","price":2.33,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53539937419597,"sku":"HOS-BLU-MOU-3","price":5.87,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"9 bare roots","offer_id":53539937452365,"sku":"HOS-BLU-MOU-9","price":13.43,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/HOSTABLUEMOUSEEARSSQUARE-topaz-upscale-1.7x-caesium.jpg?v=1773666970"},{"product_id":"hosta-white-feather","title":"Hosta 'White Feather' (Plantain Lily)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHosta 'White Feather' is a distinctive foliage perennial whose leaves emerge creamy white in spring before gradually developing green veining and more colour as the season progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe effect is luminous in shady borders and pots, where the bright young foliage helps lift darker planting combinations. Pale lavender flowers appear in summer above the clump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in partial shade in moisture-retentive but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid hot, exposed spots, especially where the white young foliage could scorch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater regularly during dry periods and protect emerging shoots from slugs. Mulching each year helps keep the soil cool and fertile while the clump establishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","offers":[{"title":"1 bare root","offer_id":53571649864013,"sku":"HOS-WHI-FEA-1","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 bare roots","offer_id":53571913875789,"sku":"HOS-WHI-FEA-3","price":8.87,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"9 bare roots","offer_id":53571913908557,"sku":"HOS-WHI-FEA-9","price":25.91,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/files\/hostawhitefeatherSQUARE-topaz-upscale-3.4x-caesium.jpg?v=1774246994"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/2627\/9245\/collections\/Hosta_20_Frances_20Williams_20SQUARE_204-topaz-3012828.jpg?v=1768363830","url":"https:\/\/hardingandbloom.co.uk\/collections\/shade-loving-heroes.oembed","provider":"Harding \u0026 Bloom","version":"1.0","type":"link"}