New varieties of shade-loving annuals and perennials continue to be hybridized with more eye-catching flower colors and interesting foliage.
Be cool... people have come to realize that gardening in the shade can be pretty nice. We once thought that we had to give up all of those tempting, bright and bold colors that sun-loving plants can offer, but that’s just not true. New varieties of shade-loving annuals and perennials continue to be hybridized with more eye-catching flower colors and interesting foliage. Container gardening for the shade offers many other benefits: The pots don’t dry out as quickly; colors don’t bleach out in the sun and there is no root competition from shrubs or trees. And, best of all, you can spend more time relaxing than watering them.
Shade is a tricky thing to define. It can mean so many different lighting conditions. ‘Full sun’ is defined simply, over 6 hours of direct sun. However, there are several degrees of shade. Light shade is where plants receive four to six hours of direct sun or some shade from trees. In partial shade, plants get between two and four hours of sun or dappled sun. For full shade, plants receive only indirect light or light bouncing off of buildings or other surfaces. Dense shade is the lack of direct light—what you might find under a conifer or between buildings.
Keeping in mind your shady conditions, there are plenty of annuals, as well as perennials, that can be used to make eye-catching containers. The classic shade plants, as well as the newer hybrids, enjoy an important place in the modern container. Begonias and impatiens are still the workhorses of shade containers as they continuously bloom throughout spring and summer. The newer hybrids also offer long bloom seasons, new flower colors and interesting foliage—perfect for containers that are enjoyed up close on a patio or next to a front door. The newer ‘Dragon Wings’ Begonia offers thick, shiny, green leaves and elegantly arching red, pink or white flowers. And, it doesn’t mind some sun. Tuberous begonias boast incredible tropical-colored flowers that resemble roses in shape. Our impatiens selection includes the floriferous, low-growing ‘Elfin’ varieties, dainty, double-petaled impatiens and new, exotic impatiens in high voltage new colors.
Accent plants provide structure and color to compliment the flowers. They come in many habits such as trailing vines, strappy leaved grasses, and vertical plants that reach for the heights. Variegated leaves (Ivy and Plectranthus) can add a sun-dappled effect in a shady environment while a bright green leaf, such as Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) will become a focal point or bright spot in a shady pot. Foliage adds an element of attraction when the sultry, maroon leaves of the Blood Leaf (Iresine lindenii) mingle with rich chocolate leaves and burgundy undersides of the perennial, Ligularia ‘Britt- Marie Crawford’. An elegant grass such as Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) or Carex ‘Bowles Golden’ mixes well with Exotic tangerine and yellow impatiens and the large-leafed ‘Kong’ coleus.
Cool and Classic Shade Container: three selections create a simple but beautiful balance.
1. ‘Kong’ Coleus: This large coleus sports super-sized, cream-, pink- and green-patterned leaves.The plant adds verti cality to the arrangement.
2. ‘Appleblossom’ Impatiens: light pink, double-petaled impatiens flower generously.
3. Variegated Plectranthus: white and green trailing foliage fill out the container.
4. Add some sparkle to this collection of plants with a deep-blue, glazed container.
‘Turn up the Heat’ Shade Container: Tropical plants set the tone for this display.
1. Alocasia or Elephant Ear: Leaves grow up to 3 feet wide and four feet long. Variegated leaves really ‘pop’ in the shade. This plant provides height to the container. Alocasia can be grown from bulbs or purchased as grown plants.
2. Rex Begonia: These begonias are chosen for their unusual, heart-shaped, spiraling leaves that come in a myriad of swirling color combinations— burgundy, pink, dark red, silver, lavender, silvery-green—just to name a few.
3. New Guinea Impatiens: Sturdy plants that are loved for their boldly colored flowers in hot pink, flaming oranges, fuschia, smoldering reds, cool white and more. Choose from green, variegated or burgundy foliage.
4. Exotic Impatiens: Add some tropical flair with orchid-like blooms in pink, yellow, tangerine or yellow. Some varieties even have variegated leaves.
5. Lysimachia ‘Goldilocks’ or Creeping Jenny: A shock of trailing, yellow-green leaves adds the finishing touch to most plant combinations. The bright gold really stands out in a shady environment.
Perennials such as hostas, ferns, sedges, various groundcovers and many others can easily be incorporated into shade containers. Also, you’ll enjoy the added bonus of planting them directly into the garden in the fall.
