Recommendation for shrub for partial shade

[Babyitscoldouts1de]

My garden is not very big, but not tiny. I have one flower bed which is about 4 metres long. I thought it was all quite sunny as South facing, but the bit by the shed loses light quite early. Nothing I have put there has grown as well as in the other end of the bed.

I would like to put in a shrub that doesn't mind shade. My preference would be lilac, but I think that they don't flower if in too much shade. Ideally it needs to be something that is compact or can be kept so by pruning. I would prefer no poisonous berries due to small children. Attractive to birds/butterflies/bees would be a bonus.

So not asking much! Any suggestions?

Castor oil plant loves shady spots

I have a sunnyish spot first thing on a morning and then the rest of the day is shaded...castor oil is thriving, sedum, there's a hebe, young buddleia and I think a viburnum (but not an evergreen)

Other shady areas have pieris, crocosmia and cornus

Some hydrangeas do well in some shade. Flame of the forest attracts a lot of flying friends.

Bleeding heart plant: attractive too

Some great ideas here, thank you. I feel a bank holiday garden centre trip coming on.

I have some roses growing in partial shade

Oh I didn't know that Pink!

Is it just if ingested? Is it harmful to cats too. I have no lilies for this reason :-(

Hydrangea would be a good choice, there are some beautiful varieties now
www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.Hydrangea/sort.0/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_47YBRBxEiwAYuKdw8402wtQtP50T-6VK6VlqfjCweU68E8qYas_u7We7-LblcfP18y-7xoCiNcQAvD_BwE

I’ve just planted up a shady border with sarcococca, pyracantha, berberis, choisya, cotoneaster, hydrangea and weigela for the shrubs, with lots of shade-loving perennials. Have a look at this for inspiration:
www.plantsforshade.co.uk

Ok so castor oil plant is out then. I love that there is a whole website dedicated to plants for shade. The internet provides.

Thanks for the link Pink

I have a Fatsia Japonica phew so all is well

The children in the family can keep on visiting!

@Knittedfairies do choisya's do well in the shade? I'm after one but the plating spot is a bit shaded.

@userxx apparently they are fine in partial shade - that’s where I’ve put mine anyway!

Brilliant, you've made my mind up. Now I've just got to battle the crowds at the nursery this weekend!