[Spannerland]

Hello Everyone!
I have a shady damp area.  Does anyone know if Good King Henry and Welsh Onions will grow there?  Try as a I might I can't find anything about position on the internet.  Thanks in advance.  JJ

[Trillium]

Welcome, spannerland. Introduce yourself in welcome so we can get to know you.

All the sources I've checked, specifically for Welsh onions, says they much prefer sunny, open fertile areas which also means, not wet. Onions don't like wet feet as they'll rot too quickly.

I've just planted some true Welsh onions right beside my asparagus patch. Not true shade, but a bit as it's the only place they can stay year after year and not be in my way. They'll get full east sun in mornings and should be happy there.
Looks like you'll either have to build up a drier sunny area or perhaps find a good spot in your flower garden (if you have one).

[HLS]

All I know about Good King Henry is that Bob Flowerdew was on Gardeners' Question Time yesterday saying that he had some by the edges of a pond. I'm guessing that means that damp is OK. Not sure about shade, though.

[Trillium]

Edges of a pond could mean anything - from almost in the water to a high, dry ridge. And I don't know many people who put ponds in shade. All the onion family much prefer dry feet and sun, unfortunately. I have a lot of shady areas I'd love to put them into but know they wouldn't do nearly as well.

[HLS]

I didn't think that good king Henry was a member of the onion family. Have I got completely confused?

[blackisgreen]

good king henry or lincolnshire spinach is a weed that will grow everywhere

[LizzyChick]

Hi everyone
I agree with blackisgreen, I think Good King Henry would grow anywhere - maybe its leaves would be bigger in the shade which would be a good thing... its a weed on my plot so I eat my way through my weeding:-)