We are often asked for help by gardeners wanting to put something interesting

and colorful in a shady spot. Often folks are surprised at just how many options

they have. There's a myriad of shade-lovin' plants to choose from!

 

Traditionally we have looked to impatiens, begonias, coleus, and caladiums as

the top shade performers. Over the years, however, modern breeding has

added tons of new choices.

 

For impatiens, look for the superelfins. Their growth habit is compact and they

put out flowers continually. Planted in April, when the ground begins to warm

up, these ‘busy lizzies’ will flower constantly until the first freeze of fall hits.

 

My favorite begonias are the ‘cocktails.’ These short, bedding begonias come

in green and bronze colored leaves, and also flower continually through the

summer. There’s gin pink, whiskey white, and vodka red to choose from.

 

Coleus are planted in the shade to add foliar color. Within this family of plants,

there are names like rainbow, red velvet, electric lime, Florida sun, eclipse, and

burgundy sun, each with spectacular foliage color.

 

Caladiums (of the Aroid family) are related to elephant ears. These shade lovers

come in pinks, reds, greens, and whites. Generally short, they can be used as a

border or in front of larger plants.

 

A new addition to the shady set is torenia. Commonly called wishbone flower,

bluewings, or summer pansies, torenia is a short, shade-loving plant in the snap-

dragon family. Tolerant of our heat and humidity, they thrive in moist shade and

will flower until the first freeze.

 

                    Happy shade gardening everyone!

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