Posted by Christine Eirschele Feb 9, 2009

Here I have rounded up some articles about shade loving plants. Try these and look for many other ideas while perusing the garden centers this summer. Your sunny gardening cohorts will be envious, when they see your shade garden plantings.

Container Gardens in Shade

Houseplant sections are a good place to look for inspiration. Many container gardens on shady patios are in need of new ideas. Rex begonias have bold colorful leaves.

Unlike their flowering cousins, wax begonias have big flowers and like part shade. Some gardeners like to try them in full sun. I guard against recommending this, especially for new gardeners. Depending on the climate and time of day, too much sun will burn the leaves. Here are more flowering begonia ideas for outside and indoors, too.

Coleus plants, more than ever, are a favorite of indoor and outdoor gardeners. Check out this book for an abundance of ideas and how-to information. Many coleus are labeled as “sun coleus’ now, but I still recommend them for shaded gardens. Read labels to inform yourself on what you are buying. No label? I would ask your plant-seller or pass it by.

Annual Plants for Shade

Pansies and violas may be common for experienced gardeners but I still love them. Easy to grow for children and new gardeners, try them tucked in small corners or pots for more color and inexpensive fun in the garden.

Ornamental Grass for Part Shade

The Hakonechloa called ‘Aureola’ is one of the few ornamental grasses that tolerate part shade. It is versatile enough to grow near hostas or in containers.

Traditional Hosta for Shade

Hostas are tried and true shade plants. There are so types of hostas, I find it difficult being weary of them. Learning how to grow them is the best defense against planting them in the wrong garden spot.

Shady Wildflowers in Spring

The first places open this spring to look for shade plant ideas is your local wildflower park or nature preserve. You are sure to see Solomon’s seal. A shade plant that is able to brighten up a dark corner of a naturalized or landscaped garden.

A native wildflower that can be grown in shade is Trillium. Combine its white flowers with the light blue blooms of forget-me-nots and you have a winning wildflower combination.

Whatever your garden light, I am confident you will find plants that will brighten your time spent gardening.