ANNUAL FLOWERS FOR SHADE
Impatiens is probably the best-known flower for shade. But it’s NOT the only one! Try some of these: Ageratum, balsam (a close relative of impatiens), wax begonia, candytuft, coleus, lobelia, nicotiana and pansy. Ferry-Morse also has an interesting mixture of wildflowers for partial shade!
PERENNIAL AND BIENNIAL FLOWERS
For Shade Anchusa, bellflower, Canterbury bells, columbine, dame’s rocket, delphinium, forget me not, foxglove, Jacob’s ladder, Jupiter’s beard, linum, lunaria, lupine, rock cress, salvia, sweet william, veronica and viola. Take me to Flower Seeds.
HOW TO GROW HOSTAS, THE QUEENS OF SHADE
You can easily grow Hostas almost anywhere in shade or part shade (where there’s morning sun). The plants are very hardy and need no fussing. They grow reliably in Zones 3 through 8, because they do require some winter dormancy. Where should you plant them? Hostas do very well along the foundation of house or fence; as a border along a walk, or around flower beds or shrubs; in a group under trees or around a flagpole; or in a separate bed in a shady location. Set a gazing ball or garden sculpture in the center of your hosta planting, and you’ll have a lovely focal point to enjoy for years and years.
SHADE PLANT COMBINATIONS
In the shade, lighter colors often show off best. You definitely want to have flowers which bloom over a long period, or several flowers which bloom at different times. Many new gardeners are not quite sure how to put plants together for a pretty effect. The Easy Shade Garden, pictured above, includes eleven different kinds of flowers. This specially designed garden includes a really lovely combination of annual flowers: coleus, balsam, nicotiana, two impatiens, two pansies, two violas, lobelia and ageratum. Take me to flower seeds.
VEGETABLES AND HERBS FOR SHADE
Sorry to say it’s difficult at best, and more apt impossible, to grow vegetables and herbs in full shade. These plants may grow but not well and, when it comes to producing flowers and fruits, they will be at a great disadvantage. If you have 4 to 6 hours of sun, you can grow leaf crops such as lettuce and spinach, and possibly herbs such as chives, garlic chives and parsley. However, all these will do better in full sun SO the best advice remains to plant vegetables and herbs in sun (no shadows from house or trees all day). If you don't have a garden area like this, try getting a space at a community garden, or grow in containers which can be moved around to follow the sun.