KUSA - A lively, colorful shade garden can be a challenge. Luckily for us, there are a number of vibrant plants that were literally "made in the shade." Evolving beneath trees, these plants offer outstanding foliage or flowers.
Although they're suitable for pots or beds, they won't thrive with strong competition from tree roots. That's why container gardening is rewarding beneath trees as well as on shady balconies, decks and porches. Few plants will grow well in really deep shade but most will perform well in dappled shade or with just a few hours of sunlight.
Begonias are always standouts in shade. Tuberous begonias boast large, lovely flowers in a wide range of colors from white and pink to coral, red, orange and yellow. Dappled shade--such as that from a honey locust--is the ideal condition. Fibrous begonias grow well in sun or shade. The 'Whopper' and 'Dragon' varieties bloom tirelessly.
Impatiens were the old standby in shade gardens. Unfortunately, the standard types are no longer widely grown due to the arrival of downy mildew. It often cripples them in midsummer. The "sunpatiens" and New Guinea type impatiens aren't susceptible to downy mildew and have largely replaced the old varieties. Many are brilliantly colorful in shades of pink, salmon, red, orange and magenta and some varieties offer striking variegated leaves.
The other major shade plant is the coleus. It's the king of foliage plants many varieties of beautiful combinations of color and pattern. The old-fashioned 'Wizard' series is still a great option with many varied and eye-catching varieties. The champion, however, is 'Kong.' This series of coleus features big, husky plants with large, brightly-patterned leaves.
Sweet potato vines can also be grown in part shade. The chartreuse or bronze leaves look lovely cascading from pots. Oxalis are a favorite filler of mine with their shamrock-like leaves in shades of lime, rust and purple. They have small flowers but the foliage effect is the reason to grow them.
Many low light houseplants can also be displayed to advantage in the shade. These include parlor palm, spike dracaena to ivy, spider plant, bloodleaf, ferns and philodendron. Many of your house plants will enjoy a shady summer vacation outside.
