Growing plants can be a wonderful way to beautify your home, enhance your environment and improve your overall well-being. While it may seem like shade can be a limiting factor, there are actually many annual plants that thrive in shady areas.
Whether you have a shady garden or a balcony that doesn’t get much sun, there are plenty of options available to brighten up your space. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best annual plants for shade, their unique characteristics, and how to grow them successfully.
Annuals to plant in the shade
Begonias:
Begonias are a popular choice for shade gardens due to their beautiful, colorful blooms and ability to grow in low light conditions. These annual plants come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to red, and require very little maintenance.
Begonias are perfect for pots, hanging baskets or as a groundcover. They thrive in moist soil, so make sure to keep them well-watered.
Impatiens:
Impatiens, also known as “busy lizzies,” are another popular choice for shady areas. These plants have bright, colorful flowers that can add a pop of color to any garden.
They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. Impatiens prefer moist soil and regular watering, but be careful not to overwater them as they can develop root rot.
Coleus:
Coleus is a unique plant that is known for its striking, colorful foliage. These annuals come in a variety of colors and patterns, including red, green, purple, and yellow.
Coleus can grow up to 3 feet tall and are perfect for adding texture and interest to shady areas. They require regular watering, but be careful not to overwater them as they can develop root rot.
Torenia:
Torenia, also known as “wishbone flower,” is a delicate plant that produces small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and blue. These annuals prefer moist soil and partial shade.
They are perfect for hanging baskets or as a border plant in shady gardens. Torenia also attracts hummingbirds, making them a great addition to any garden.
Lobelia:
Lobelia is a beautiful annual plant that produces masses of tiny, delicate flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white. They are perfect for adding color to shady areas and prefer moist soil. Lobelia can grow up to 3 feet tall and are perfect for borders, hanging baskets or as a groundcover.
Nicotiana:
Nicotiana, also known as “flowering tobacco,” is a tall, elegant plant that produces trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. These annuals are perfect for adding height to shady gardens and prefer moist soil. Nicotiana can grow up to 5 feet tall and are perfect for borders or as a background plant.
Sweet Alyssum:
Sweet Alyssum is a delicate annual plant that produces masses of tiny, fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, and purple. These plants are perfect for edging or as a ground cover in shady areas. Sweet Alyssum prefers well-draining soil and regular watering.
Some of my favorite things to plant in the shade as part of my landscaping are leafy green vegetables. Growing shade-loving plants can be a lot of fun.
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