Annuals for Shade
Last week, we featured annuals for sun and this week the focus is on shade. Keep in mind that most “shade plants” can take a degree of sun. Ideally, a few hours of morning sun with afternoon shade would be fine. It all depends of which plant it is and the recommendations here indicate the degree of light they can handle. The plants listed are good for pots, but they can also be planted in the ground.
Impatiens (“Busy Lizzie”) – Appearing in all colors except for yellow and true blue, imapatiens provide a powerful punch of color in the shade garden. A blooming dynamo that doesn’t need deadheading, they are easy to grow in various degrees of shade or part shade. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Begonia – There are so many different types of begonia that an entire post could be devoted to this one plant. They offer non-stop stop color in a range of colors. Both mounding and cascading varieties are available. All perform well in part shade or filtered light. Pictured is “Dragonwing” and “Canary Wing” begonia. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Fuchsia – Hummingbirds love fuchsia and so do gardeners! Most varieties become large plants and can easily fill an entire pot. Hanging baskets are also popular. Some fuchsias are winter hardy and can be grown in the ground while others are tender annuals. Both feature the same type of flowers. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Coleus – Coleus proves that you can have vibrant color without flowers. These tropical-like foliage plants offer stunning colors. Spikes of flowers will appear but it is best to pinch them off to maintain a neat shape. The deeper reds can tolerate sun. (Photo: David Paul Ohmer, Visual Hunt)
Torenia (Wishbone Flower) – Flowers in shades of blue, purple and white adorn this charming annual. It has a spreading nature and is a good choice for edging a container and letting it spill over. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Lobelia – Tubular flowers in shades of blue and white come in compact or trailing types. Lobelia can tolerate some sun in cool weather. (Photo: Cerlin Ng, Visual Hunt)
Polka Dot Plant (Hypordes phyllostachya) – Grown as a perennial in warmer climates but as an annual or houseplant in our region. Plants grow in a mounded habit, about 1-2 feet. Pinch the tips for bushier growth. Bright shade is ideal. (Photo: Tanaka Juuyoh, Visual Hunt)
Plectranthus – Many types of Plectranthus (a relative of coleus) exist. Exciting hybrids include ‘Guacamole’ (pictured) which is one of my personal favorites. Stunning foliage covers a hefty plant that thrives in bright shade. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) offers dramatic foliage with a silver metallic look that is brightened by purple shades. Plants are upright and grow to 2-3 feet tall. It does best in bright shade and can also be grown as a houseplant. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) – Equally happy in either full sun or shade, this plant has become one of the most popular choices for trailing accents. Chartreuse or dark purple colors are available. This is a fast grower and grows around 3-4 feet by summer’s end. (Photo: Phillip Oliver)
Other Possibilities:
Asparagus Fern
Bacopa
Browallia
Calladium (available later in the season)
Cineraria
Nemesia
Nicotiana (Flowering Tobacco)
Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose)
Tradescantia (Purple Heart)
Viola
