Shade Tolerant Anuals

Impatiens make a good show in shade.

Bob

-- I want to believe in a lot of things but, in the meantime I have to deal with the truth

Yes, Impatiens are beautiful especially when planted close together … they just fill pots to overflowing. Begonia’s are nice as well, especially the double blooms that look like tiny roses … come in some glorious new colors too.

Fuschia is pretty … very delicate and blooms non-stop … throw in some Ostrich or painted Ferns in the mix (I realize they are not annuals).

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Why not plant some Hosta in them?

There are plenty of kinds that you can plant. Some get VERY large.. And the flowers are nice too.

-- Planting Daylilies in Kentucky, zone 6b

I was thinking of perennials, however I fear the terra cotta pots won’t make it through a winter outside here so the pots will need to be emptied and brought inside for the winter, so for this reason I figured I’d try my hand at some annuals…I wish there were a pretty and edible shade-loving annual besides fancy lettuce.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

Fair enough..

Here you go.

http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2003/6-16-2003/annuals.html

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/shade/msg0119441419210.html

-- Planting Daylilies in Kentucky, zone 6b

I know that perennials don’t make it here in pots “X” ... and you are further “north” than we are. Annuals are probably your best bet as you said … although you can plant perennials and just remove them come fall—but I am sure you have thought of that.

Another thought is Viola’s or Pansies … mine will grow in a cool place all summer long (at the other house). Coleus will grow in a partial shade environment too.

-- "A perfect garden is just a garden to be in-perfection. Mornings to work on it and evenings to pause and look at it." Southeast Michigan, Zone 5a/5b

Canadian Gardening did an article on wintering your pots inside. I tried that this last winter and they seemed to do fairly well. I had Plectranthus and coleus in one and they never lost their leaves and look realy good. I also had one containing bee balm and I have just put it outside. It had died back but I am waiting to see if it comes out again. I just thought that you could pot up your terra cottas with perennials and try wintering them over if you have the room.

-- horsetail, Fergus, Ontario

That is an idea, however these pots are huge and heavy, they are on the deck to the garage loft, so we roll them in there for the winter and it still freeses in there. I put some plants in there for the winter last year hoping for the best but they all died. I think I will stick to anuals. I will be going through my seeds today and see what I have already. I think I may go with one of the above suggestions be it Pansies, Impatiens or Begonias.

-- Xploreorganics, 5b Canada, LFD 06-20

I agree with the Impatiens.So many beautiful colours in them now.They can really brighten up a shady spot.And they last right up till frost time.

-- Bon,Hastings,Ont.....zone 5a....Always room for one more