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Difficult Gardens: Shady Northern Exposures-Part 3

© Diana Pederson

Gerbera daisies grown in clay pots have proven capable of blooming in the shade. Their fluorescent colors are welcome in the garden. They are sensitive to dry soil and must be kept moist in order to thrive. Although I've grown them from seed, due to the cost of the seed, poor germination and length of growing season before flowering, I've decided it doesn't cost any more to buy them at a local garden center since I only need a few plants. They are often available for $1 if you wait until mid June or early July to make the purchase. In southern states, they are perennials, however, here in the north, I have to treat them as annuals. If you would like to learn more about their care and cultivation, check the sources listed here.

Pelargoniums (commonly called Geraniums in the United States) grown in clay pots will do well even on the north side. They may not flower as abundantly as they would in full sun but I do get flowers. Pelargoniums are good plants to winter over inside. For additional information, see the series of articles on growing scented pelargoniums indoors. Who can resist a basement full of blooming plants when there is snow and ice outside? Pelargoniums may be grown from seed--some years they fail to germinate but other years every seed grows and I am swamped with plants. For detailed information on the care and cultivation of these plants, please visit the International Geranium Society website. You will find several tip sheets from IGS detailing their care and cultivation.

Vinca (both annual and tender perennials) succeeds well in containers but fails in the garden bed. This plant is shade tolerant but is very sensitive to wet soil. Since I have solid clay under my good soil, a week of rain or too much watering quickly kills any vinca in the garden plot. I love these plants so I grow them in clay containers which guarantees they have the well drained soil needed for good flowering. This plant is often called a perennial, but in the north it is best to treat it as an annual since it rarely makes it through the winter.