The Spruce
Most plants can grow in containers, except some grow too large or have deep rooting systems.
Before getting plants for the spot, measure and observe how much sun the spot receives daily.
Most plants need some sun.
The Spruce
Very few plants, like impatiens, for example, are full-shade plants.
These two terms mean the same thing.
Only plants rated for “full, dense, or deep shade” can thrive with zero direct sunlight.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Here are 11 plants that work well for container plantings in shady locations.
It is grown for its unique and interesting leaf colors rather than its blooms.
Coleus genuinely thrives in full shade.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
New colors and leaf forms are being cultivated constantly.
Some new varieties now thrive in partial shade and even in full sun.
These plants work beautifully with others or stand alone as specimen plants.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsias are readily identifiable by their drooping, brightly colored flowers that bloom virtually all season.
They look great paired with complementary or contrasting colors.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Their trailing habit makes them excellent flowering plants forhanging basketsor mixed containers.
It is heat tolerant and straightforward to care for.
This gem will thrive with regular watering and fertilizing until frost, and it doesn’t need deadheading.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
They are relatively short, 6 to 18 inches, and will trail over the side of your container.
In warm climates, torenia needs protection from the heat.
Most thrive in the shade, tolerate some sun, and are quite drought-tolerant.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Coral bellsattract hummingbirdsand butterflies.
Some are hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and look amazing until the first snowfall.
Deadheading is unnecessary, although if you remove flower stems after blooming, the plant will keep looking great.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The most popular container garden begonias are tuberous or rhizomatous with neon-bright flowers.
Rex begonias are another popular variety with unique, psychedelic-looking leaf colors, shapes, and textures.
Many newly developed trailing, angel, and dragon-wing begonias bloom all summer.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Most begonias require great drainage and can’t tolerate wet feet.
Some are happy in full shade, while some prefer filtered shade.
Almost all flowering begonias must be fed regularly and generously with dilutedfertilizer.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyeranus)
Persian shield(Strobilanthes dyeranus) is a gorgeous foliage plant.
It is a broadleaf evergreen perennial generally used as an annual.
It features purple and silver blooms that stand out in any container.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
The plant towers up to 3 or 4 feet high and serves as a classic thriller plant.
Exceptionally easy to grow, Persian shield will add an exotic touch to your containers.
It is uncommon and may be hard to find at garden centers.
The Spruce / Candace Madonna
Buy it as soon as you see it; it often sells out.
Pinching back the stems will keep the plant bushy and full.
Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)
Oxalis plants have delicate shamrock-shaped leaves and pretty tubular flowers that open and close as light exposure changes.
Flower colors are usually white, peach, yellow, pink, and bicolors.O.
tetraphyllais mostly grown for its foliage.
These mounding plants are great in mixed pots and hanging baskets.
Trailing Lobelia (Lobelia erinus var.
pendula)
Lobeliais an extensive genus of plants, with many species that prefer direct sun.
But the trailing version(Lobelia erinusvar.
pendula) is an ideal plant for shady containers.L.
It is commonly used as a trailing spiller plant in containers.
It is generally grown for its foliage, not its flowers.
One popular cultivar, ‘Silver Falls,’ has shimmeringsilvery foliageand stems.
Although drought-tolerant in the garden, it should be kept well watered when grown in containers.
Creeping jenny is a mat-forming perennial with round lime-green leaves that works well in tall containers or hanging baskets.
It grows only 2 to 4 inches tall but sends out shoots up to 2 feet long.
This perennial plant is better suited for containers since it can be invasive if planted in the garden.
Begonias, fuschia, and creeping jenny are outstanding shady container garden spiller choices.
University of Minnesota Extension, 2021.
Lind, Jenna.Impatiens Downy Mildew.
Wisconsin Horticulture, 2013.
