Begonias can be toxic to animals.
Note that sweet alyssum is considered invasive in various parts of the country but mostly in parts of California.
This plant is toxic to humans and animals.
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They grow slowly throughout the season and add subtle color to pots with showier plants.
These teardrop-shaped flowers cascade beautifully over hanging baskets and thrive in shady, hot spots.
Viola
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Edibleviolasare the charmingpansy-like flowersyou often see on cakes and salads.
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Generally, theyll fade once summers heat sets in.
Because of their purple-blue color, theyre attractive to pollinators.
The plants do flower, though its their leaves that add vibrance and color to shady gardens.
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This plant is toxic to humans and animals.
Coleus is toxic to pets.
These gently-scented flowers are beautiful in gardens and bouquets alike, and they easily adapt to shaded spaces.
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Impatiens
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Impatiensare classic warm-weather flowers with four vibrant petals on billowy blooms.
In warmer climates, these tropical flowers can be grown as perennials.
Nemesia should be planted before flowering and ahead of its warm weather blooming season.
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In areas where temperatures remain mild throughout the summer, Nemesia will produce near-constant and abundant blooms.
It has green to dark purple, almost maroon, foliage.
While it doesnt have showy flowers, the plant does provide color and height to shade gardens.
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It thrives in the heat of summer, allowing its foliage to reach its full vibrant color.
Dichondra
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Creepingdichondra(Dichondraspp.)
It quickly grows with leaves that vary in color from neon chartreuse to dark purple to a rich black.
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The leaves tumble over the sides of containers and gardens, making them a perfect filler plant.
It produces darling blue, purple, and white blooms on lush green foliage.
It grows quickly and spreads, making it perfect for filling in gardens and hanging baskets.
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Plus, because of its blue color, it attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
This plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
You’ll also likely see beautiful small flower clusters in violet to pink.
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Be aware it is toxic to humans and pets.
Theplant blooms betterwith more sun yet won’t flower well with too much sun so some shade is preferable.
Classic impatiens are by far the easiest shade annuals to grow.
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They just need a midsummer pruning to stay bushy and not leggy.
Begonias and impatiens are shade annuals that will bloom throughout the summer.
Manyannuals can grow in full shade, such as impatiens, wax begonias, and creeping myrtle.
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However, it helps to know that full shade for plants does not mean the absence of all sunlight.
Other than mushrooms and some mosses, very few plants can thrive in complete shade.
Sweet alyssum.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
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North Carolina State University.
Caladium plant poisoning.Medline Plus.
Browalia speciosa.North Carolina State Extension.
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Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants: Nicotiana.
Defining Sun Requirements for Plants.Kansas State University Extension.
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
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