Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Shade
Annual flowers and Plants - These shade lovers are a perfect way to add a burst of color and life to your shade garden
Shade-loving annual plants and flowers are a great choice for gardeners looking to add color and interest to shady areas of their yard or garden.
What are Annual Flowers and Annual Plants?
Annual flowers and annual plants are plants that complete their lifecycle within one growing season. They typically germinate, bloom, and set seeds in one year before dying off. These plants are a great way to add seasonal color to a garden and can be replanted year after year to keep your landscape looking fresh.
They are different from perennial plants, which are plants that live for more than two years. They typically grow and bloom during the spring and summer seasons, then die back in the fall and winter, only to reemerge the following year. Unlike annual plants, which complete their life cycle in a single growing season, perennials typically have a longer lifespan and can continue to grow and bloom for many years under the right conditions.
Types of Shade
There are 4 main types of shade. Here is a brief explanation of each:
Light Shade: This is an area that receives dappled or filtered sunlight for most of the day, such as under the canopy of a tree with a high canopy. The light is broken up by the tree branches and foliage, creating a soft, diffused light.
Partial Shade: This area receives some direct sunlight for only a portion of the day, typically around 4-6 hours, and is shaded for the rest of the day.
Full Shade: This is an area that receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day and is shaded for the rest of the day. It may receive some indirect light, such as reflected light or dappled light from surrounding trees.
Deep Shade: This is an area that receives no direct sunlight and is completely shaded all day long. It is typically found under the canopy of very dense trees or in areas with tall structures that block out the sun.
Understanding these different levels of shade can help gardeners choose the right plants for their specific growing conditions. For example, some plants may prefer partial shade and struggle in deep shade, while others may thrive in full shade but not in direct sunlight.
We have listed our favorite annuals, including some native plants, that will add pops of color to your part-shade or full shade garden.
30 Best Annual Flowers and Plants for Shade
Bellis perennis 'Pomponette' (English Daisy)
Bellis perennis, commonly known as English Daisy, is a charming perennial often grown as a biennial. It features dark green spoon-shaped leaves forming a rosette and produces adorable pompon-like, fully double flowers in shades of red, pink, or white during spring and summer. These flowers prefer cooler temperatures and tend to fade when exposed to hot weather. Bellis perennis is a self-seeding plant that can maintain its presence in the garden. It is a popular choice for bedding or container planting and is often used as an underplanting for tulips and other spring bulbs.
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My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
Spread | 6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Browallia speciosa (Sapphire Flower)
Browallia speciosa, also known as Sapphire flower, is a charming perennial plant, often grown as an annual plant, that produces delicate blue or purple flowers with white throats. Native to South America, it thrives in part shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil. With its compact size and prolific blooming habit, Browallia speciosa is an excellent choice for containers, borders, and mass plantings, adding a touch of beauty and whimsy to any garden.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
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Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Attracts | Butterflies , Hummingbirds |
Callistephus chinensis (China Aster)
Callistephus chinensis, commonly known as China aster, is an annual flowering plant that is native to China and surrounding regions. It has a bushy habit with green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, blue, and red, and can be single or double. They bloom from early summer to fall and are popular in gardens and as cut flowers. China aster prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is relatively easy to grow from seed and is often used in borders, beds, and containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower)
The American Bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum) is an upright annual or biennial native to North America. Its tall flower stems are adorned with rough, toothed, lance-shaped green leaves. During summer, the upper portion of the stem features showy, flat, star-shaped, lavender-blue flowers that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) across. These delicate blossoms, which have a white ring at the throat, are attractive to hummingbirds. The American Bellflower is a charming addition to woodland gardens where it self-seeds without becoming a nuisance, maintaining a delightful presence in the garden.
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My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar Periwinkle)
Catharanthus roseus, also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a low-growing plant that produces an abundance of small, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It is often used as a bedding plant, border plant, or in containers. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and can bloom from summer to fall.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Tolerance | Deer , Drought , Rabbit , Dry Soil , Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Clarkia amoena (Satin Flower)
Clarkia amoena, also known as Satin Flower, is an annual wildflower native to western North America. The plant typically grows up to 2 feet in height and has slender stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are light green in color. The satiny flowers of Clarkia amoena are cup-shaped and come in shades of pink, red, and white. They bloom from late spring to early-mid summer and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Clarkia amoena is easy to grow and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is often used in wildflower meadows, borders, and containers and can self-seed to provide additional blooms in subsequent years.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Claytonia sibirica (Siberian Spring Beauty)
Siberian Spring Beauty (Claytonia sibirica) is a delightful annual or short-lived perennial plant that forms a rosette of fleshy, egg-to-lance-shaped leaves. It has upright leafy stems that bear loose clusters of up to 3 small, white to pink flowers. The plant blooms from mid-spring to mid-summer, depending on location. Each flower is 1 inch (2 cm) across and has 5 petals that are either white, candy-striped, or pink and notched at the tips. The petals have delicate deep magenta veins that guide bees to the nectar.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun , Shade |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Collinsia heterophylla (Purple Chinese Houses)
Purple Chinese Houses (Collinsia heterophylla) is a charming annual wildflower known for its towers of flower clusters arranged in perfect floral whorls of decreasing diameter up the stem, giving the plant a resemblance to a Chinese pagoda. The flowers bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Once the flowers fade, dry capsules form and open to release seeds, leading to the plant's self-spreading ability and permanent colony formation. Purple Chinese Houses thrives in lightly shaded areas and serves as a dainty effect in front of borders or scattered under deciduous trees or as bulb cover.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Collomia grandiflora (Large Flowered Collomia)
The Large Flowered Collomia (Collomia grandiflora) is a charming annual wildflower that adds pastel colors to any garden. It boasts clusters of tightly packed, pale peach to white flowers from mid-spring to mid-summer. Each tubular flower, which is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, has five curving petals and blue-tipped anthers, providing a lovely contrast. Bees are attracted to the bright blue pollen and collect it from the blossoms. Once the flowers fade, capsules containing sticky seeds develop, allowing the plant to spread and maintain a presence in the garden. The Large Flowered Collomia also makes a great cut flower.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Attracts | Bees |
Geranium carolinianum (Carolina Geranium)
Carolina Geranium (Geranium carolinianum) is a sprawling annual or biennial plant that is much-branched, forming a mound of palmately five-parted leaves that are about 3 inches (7 cm) long. The plant blooms for approximately 4 weeks, from early spring to midsummer, producing small, pale pink or white five-petaled blossoms in loose terminal clusters. The flowers attract flies and native bees. After the flowers fade, long narrow seeds with a beak develop and are eaten by birds such as the Mourning Dove. The foliage can turn red in the fall, extending the season of interest of this plant.
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My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid) Fall |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Tolerance | Drought , Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees , Birds , Butterflies |
Glandularia canadensis (Rose Vervain)
Rose Vervain (Glandularia canadensis) is a clumping, sprawling plant that can behave as an annual or perennial, producing abundant flat-topped clusters of up to 20 fragrant, rose-pink to rose-purple flowers from late spring to late summer. It attracts butterflies and many pollinating insects and blooms continuously over a long season. The deeply lobed dark green foliage serves as a lovely backdrop for the showy flowers. This plant behaves as an annual in harsh winters, while it persists as a perennial in other regions. It is a great addition to rock gardens, sunny borders, landscape restorations, trailing over rock walls, or cascading from containers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Tolerance | Drought , Dry Soil , Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Hypoestes phyllostachya (Polka Dot Plant)
The Polka Dot Plant, also known as Hypoestes Phyllostachya, is a popular indoor and outdoor plant known for its striking foliage pattern. The leaves are covered in tiny spots of contrasting colors, creating a playful and eye-catching effect. The plant comes in a variety of shades, including pink, white, and red, and can be grown in shaded areas. The Polka Dot Plant is a great choice for adding a touch of vibrancy and whimsy to any space.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam)
Garden Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is an annual plant that is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers. The plant blooms for several months, from late spring until frost, producing vibrant, cup-shaped flowers that are about 2 inches (5 cm) across. The flowers can be single or double and come in various shades of white, pink, and red, and can be bicolor. They are attractive to bees, other insects, and nectar-feeding birds. After blooming, explosively-dehiscent capsules develop, which disperse the seeds when they are ejected from the capsule. The plant is pest and disease-free and easy to grow, requiring little maintenance to keep blooming all season long.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Attracts | Bees , Birds , Butterflies |
Lobelia erinus (Trailing Lobelia)
Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a compact and popular tender perennial, often grown as an annual, with brightly colored flowers that adorn the plant from spring until the first frosts. The flowers come in shades of blue, violet, pink, reddish-purple, or white. They are borne in loose clusters and perform well in cooler summer weather, although they tend to fade in hot and dry summers. Trailing Lobelia is versatile and can be used in hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes where it can function as a filler or gracefully trail over the edges.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6" - 9" (15cm - 22cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Nemophila menziesii (Baby Blue Eyes)
Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) is a popular garden plant prized for its small, trailing annual that produces a profusion of bowl-shaped, bright blue flowers with white centers. The flowers are about 1.5 inches (4 cm) across and are borne in clusters at the branch tips from late winter to early summer, depending on the location. Baby Blue Eyes is a charming spring wildflower that grows best in cool summer climates and does not tolerate hot and humid weather. It is easy to grow and looks stunning when planted in drifts, creating a wave of true blue color in early spring. It is also a great choice for rock gardens, garden edging, containers, or in a wildflower meadow.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) Winter |
Height | 3" - 6" (7cm - 15cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Pericallis × hybrida (Florist's Cineraria)
Cineraria flowers are known for their strikingly colorful blooms, which come in shades of pink, purple, blue, red, and white. These daisy-like flowers have a delicate yet vibrant appearance and are often used in floral arrangements or as potted plants. Cinerarias are typically grown as annuals and are most commonly found in cooler climates. With proper care, Cineraria flowers can bloom for several weeks and bring a burst of beauty to any space.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early) Winter |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Phacelia bipinnatifida (Fernleaf Phacelia)
Fernleaf Phacelia (Phacelia bipinnatifida) is a biennial woodland wildflower that adds delicate spring color to the shade garden. It has a loose, open-branched habit and produces a profusion of pale lavender to deep blue-violet flowers that are about 1/2 inch (1 cm) across. They are held in racemes of 4-12 blossoms that attract bees, butterflies, skippers, and wasps. Fernleaf Phacelia blooms for about 4 weeks in early spring to early summer and rises on stems clad with light green, pinnately divided leaves. Fernleaf Phacelia readily self-sows, ensuring a charming presence in the landscape. It can be used to quickly cover a shady garden spot in a sea of purple-blue flowers.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Attracts | Bees , Birds , Butterflies |
Phlox drummondii (Annual Phlox)
Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii), native to Texas, is an erect annual plant that produces a profusion of bright, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of rose-red, pink, or white. The flowers are arranged in flat clusters from early spring to early summer. In cooler summer climates, Annual Phlox will continue to bloom throughout summer. The fragrant blossoms are favorites of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Treasured in gardens since the 1800s, this sweet-smelling and versatile annual is a terrific addition to flower beds, containers, hanging baskets, rock gardens, short grass, or wildflower meadows.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies , Hummingbirds |
Torenia fournieri (Wishbone Flower)
Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri) is a bushy annual that is perfect for shady areas. It produces masses of two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, bicolor flowers from early summer to the first frosts. The pale lavender flowers are adorned with dark blue-purple lower lips, a yellow throat blotch, and a pair of stamens arranged in a wishbone shape, making for a ravishing display. Blooming freely all season long, the flowers contrast beautifully with the toothed, oval, light green leaves. Wishbone Flower is a compact and easy-to-care-for plant that is incredibly versatile. It is excellent for beds and borders, containers, hanging baskets or window-boxes, and makes a lovely addition to a woodland garden.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
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Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 9" (15cm - 22cm) |
Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)
Tradescantia zebrina, also known as Wandering Jew, is a popular houseplant that is a trailing evergreen perennial. Its attractive leaves are lance-shaped and come in shades of green to purple, with two wide, silvery longitudinal stripes, while the lower leaf surface is solid magenta. The plant is fast-growing and easy to care for, making it an attractive groundcover in warm winter areas. In areas where it is not winter hardy, it is typically grown as a houseplant, in hanging baskets or containers, where it will trail gracefully over the edges.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" - 9" (15cm - 22cm) |
Viola tricolor (Johnny Jump up)
Viola tricolor, commonly known as Johnny Jump up, is a charming evergreen perennial or annual, boasting delightful three-toned flowers atop spreading stems. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) flowers feature dark purple upper petals, pale purple or yellow middle petals, and a dark yellow lower petal with streaks. Blooming from spring to fall, Johnny Jump up prefers cool weather and often dies back in hot weather. Viola tricolor self-sows abundantly, popping up unexpectedly in the garden. Despite its small size, Johnny Jump up has captured the hearts of people for generations.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy)
Pansies are known for their charming, face-like blooms and wide range of colors and patterns. They are an excellent choice for early spring and fall gardens, as they thrive in cooler temperatures. Pansies are versatile plants that can be grown in various garden settings and are particularly valued for their ability to provide color during the cooler months of the year.
Add to Any Collection
My CollectionExposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
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Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm) |
Spread | 10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm) |
Tolerance | Deer |
Ageratum (Floss Flower)
Ageratum, also known as Flossflower, is an annual plant known for its soft, fluffy, and vibrant flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers appear in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white, creating a striking visual effect. Ageratum has an upright, bushy growth habit, with oval-shaped, hairy green leaves that provide a lovely contrast to the blooms. This easy-to-grow plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, and it's often used in borders, containers, and mixed garden beds.
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Tolerance | Deer , Rabbit |
Begonia
Begonia plants are popular flowering plants with over 2,000 species and countless hybrids. They are native to subtropical and tropical regions and are used as ornamental plants both indoors and outdoors. Begonias are prized for their vibrant flowers, which come in a range of colors and sizes, as well as their attractive foliage.
Exposure | Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Tolerance | Deer , Rabbit |
Caladium (Angel Wings)
Caladiums are tropical plants with stunning foliage, often with intricate patterns and vivid colors. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and are commonly grown as houseplants or in shady garden spots. With proper care, they can thrive in a range of environments and provide long-lasting beauty throughout the growing season. They come in many varieties, each with its own unique foliage, making them a favorite among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Tolerance | Deer , Rabbit |
Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, well-loved for its abundant, small, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from spring to frost. The flowers come in a wide range of colors and sometimes feature contrasting vein patterns. Calibrachoa has a trailing, semi-upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, and mixed garden beds. The plant's narrow, dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the colorful blooms. Low-maintenance and self-cleaning, calibrachoa is generally resistant to most pests and diseases.
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies , Hummingbirds |
Coleus scutellarioides (Coleus)
Coleus is a vibrant, eye-catching plant known for its stunning, colorful foliage that comes in a wide array of patterns and hues. It is typically grown as an annual but can be a tender perennial in warmer climates. Coleus is low-maintenance, versatile, and thrives in a range of light conditions, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens, containers, and indoor settings.
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Fuchsia
Fuchsias are exceptional garden plants that offer a spectacular display of dancing, jewel-like flowers throughout the summer season. They bloom continuously from late spring until the first frost in a variety of colors, ranging from pink and purple to white and peach. They come in various growing habits, such as trailing, cascading, upright, and bushy, making them perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and containers. Fuchsias are also excellent in summer bedding schemes, as flowering hedges, in permanent plantings, or as standards, making them a versatile and captivating addition to any garden.
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies , Hummingbirds |
Impatiens
Impatiens are beloved annual plants known for their vibrant, colorful flowers and lush foliage. Easy to grow and shade-tolerant, they thrive in both containers and garden beds, providing continuous blooms from spring to frost. Popular in a range of garden settings, Impatiens add a lively touch to borders, beds, window boxes, and hanging baskets. They require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Exposure | Partial Sun , Shade |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies , Hummingbirds |
Lobularia maritima (Sweet Alyssum)
Lobularia maritima, commonly known as sweet alyssum, is a low-growing, spreading annual plant that produces abundant clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers. Blossoming from spring to fall, sweet alyssum flowers come in shades of white, pink, and purple. This easy-to-grow plant is often used as a ground cover, edging plant, or in hanging baskets and window boxes. Sweet alyssum is highly attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and adds a delightful, honey-like fragrance to any garden.
Exposure | Full Sun , Partial Sun |
---|---|
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Attracts | Bees , Butterflies |
Tolerance | Deer , Drought , Dry Soil |
Garden Design with Shade-loving Annuals
Designing a garden with shade-loving annuals is a great way to bring life and color to those less sunny areas in your outdoor space. Here are some steps to create a beautiful and thriving shade garden:
Assess the area: Before you begin, evaluate the shade levels in your garden. Observe the area throughout the day to determine if it's fully shaded, partially shaded, or dappled shade. This will help you choose the right plants for your garden.
Choose shade-loving annuals: Select annuals that thrive in shade or partial shade.
Prepare the soil: Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its structure and nutrient content.
Design layout: Plan your garden layout, considering the heights and colors of your chosen plants. Place taller plants at the back or center, with shorter plants towards the front or edges. For a more natural look, group plants in odd numbers and mix colors and textures. You can also use planters or hanging baskets to create different levels and add interest.
Planting: Plant your shade-loving annuals according to their specific requirements, paying attention to spacing and depth. Ensure the root ball is well covered with soil, and water the plants thoroughly after planting to help them settle in.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, like shredded leaves or bark, around your plants. This will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from plant stems to avoid rot.
Maintenance: Regularly water your shade garden, as shaded areas tend to dry out more slowly than sunny spots. Keep an eye on the moisture level in the soil and water when it feels dry to the touch. Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and trim back any overgrowth to maintain a tidy appearance.
Fertilize: Shade-loving annuals generally require less fertilizer than sun-loving plants, but they will still benefit from some added nutrients. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, applied according to the product's instructions.
Monitor for pests and diseases: Check your shade-loving annuals regularly for signs of pests or diseases, like aphids, slugs, or fungal infections. Treat any issues promptly to maintain the health and beauty of your garden.
Enjoy your garden: With proper care, your shade garden will provide a beautiful and colorful display throughout the growing season. Take time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
As the seasons change, you can replace spent annuals with new shade-loving varieties, ensuring that your garden remains vibrant and dynamic year after year.
Don't forget to take photos of your favorite plant combinations, so you can remember what worked well and replicate or improve upon it in the future. Happy gardening!
Popular Annual Flower Guides
Growing tips
Growing annuals can be a rewarding way to add color and interest to your garden. Here are some tips to help you successfully grow annual flowers:
Choose the right plants: When selecting annuals, consider your local climate, soil type, and sunlight availability. Choose plants that are suitable for your garden conditions to ensure healthy growth and optimal flowering.
Start with healthy plants: Purchase healthy, disease-free plants from a reputable nursery, or start your own seeds indoors for transplanting later. Healthy plants are more likely to thrive and resist pests and diseases.
Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it and incorporating organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. This will improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability for your annuals.
Plant at the right time: Plant annuals after the last frost date in your area when soil temperatures have warmed. This will help prevent cold damage and ensure that plants can establish quickly.
Space plants properly: Follow the recommended spacing guidelines for each annual variety to prevent overcrowding and promote good air circulation. This will help reduce the risk of diseases and encourage healthy growth.
Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, especially during the establishment phase and periods of hot or dry weather. Water at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to diseases.
Fertilize as needed: Annuals typically benefit from regular feeding to support their rapid growth and continuous blooming. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, following the package instructions.
Deadhead spent blooms: Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Some annuals, like petunias or geraniums, will benefit from regular deadheading to prolong their flowering period.
Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye on your annuals for signs of pests or diseases, and address any issues promptly. Use organic or chemical controls as necessary, following the product instructions, and always consider the health of beneficial insects and the environment.
Succession planting: Stagger your plantings or choose varieties with different bloom times to ensure a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
By following these growing tips, you can enjoy a vibrant, healthy, and colorful garden filled with annual flowers that will provide interest and beauty throughout the growing season.
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Garden Examples
Guide Information
Plant Type | Annuals |
---|---|
Plant Family | Ageratum - Floss Flowers, Begonia, Caladium - Angel Wings, Calibrachoa, Impatiens, Lobularia - Sweet Alyssums, Solenostemon - Coleus, Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Tasak, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Plant Type | Annuals |
---|---|
Plant Family | Ageratum - Floss Flowers, Begonia, Caladium - Angel Wings, Calibrachoa, Impatiens, Lobularia - Sweet Alyssums, Solenostemon - Coleus, Viola - Violets |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
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