If you’d like to plant an annual flower garden in the shade, you’re in luck. Shade-loving annuals are easy to grow and need minimal care. Here are some recommendations for shade-loving annuals. Read on to learn about some of these beautiful plants. Also, remember to choose an annual flower that will tolerate a small amount of shade in your garden. Aside from annual lilies, annual flowers in shades can be planted in other types of gardens as well.
Impatiens
Impatiens are classic shade annuals. The tubular, lipped blooms have a rainbow of colors and look particularly attractive in a partial or full shade garden. In addition to their watermelon pink color, they also have striking swirls of red, orange, and yellow. Impatiens are susceptible to a serious disease called downy mildew, so make sure to rotate plants from a previous year.
Another popular shade-loving annual, impatiens bloom throughout the summer. These plants require very little maintenance and bloom until the first frost. They can be planted in containers or in shady flowerbeds, depending on the conditions. Aside from impatiens, other shade-tolerant annuals can produce flowers that are smaller and more muted in color. Regardless of their popularity, however, impatiens are easy to grow and will bring color to your home.
Another shade-tolerant annual, impatiens can become afflicted with downy mildew. This disease affects impatiens and affects them by taking over the stems. When the disease takes hold, your impatiens will begin to droop over and die. If you’re intolerant of this disease, try growing another shade-loving annual instead. Begonias, tulips, and lilies are other reliable shade-tolerant flowers to consider.
Other impatiens to consider include the Beacon and bedding impatiens. Both varieties have a disease-resistant trait and look stunning in containers. Beacon impatiens are good for containers and hanging baskets. Bounce impatiens are a New Guinea variety that is named for its ability to bounce back after wiling in hot weather. They are ideal for containers and are known for their superior disease resistance, long bloom time, and novel colors.
Caladium
Whether you’re looking for an easy to grow annual flower or need a shade-tolerant perennial, caladiums are a great choice. Caladiums are native to the tropics and thrive in warm soil and warm air. They will bloom from mid-March through mid-June, when night temperatures are at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant them in containers for the best results. Alternatively, you can buy a tuber and start growing them indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date.
These plants grow best in partial to full shade and should be planted eight to 12 inches apart. They will reach a height of 10 to 14 inches and spread to the same length. They grow well in flower beds, mass plantings and borders. They don’t require much maintenance and will give you great results with minimal effort. Here are some growing tips for caladiums. Let’s take a closer look.
They are ideal for containers, hanging baskets and other shady areas. The tubers are small and easy to plant, so you can have an instant display of colorful flowers. Since they require warm temperatures, they grow faster and are ideal for shady spots. The blooming period is about six months, but if you keep the soil dry, they may even come back in the following year. This is why caladiums are perfect for container gardening.
Browallia
If you love the color blue, you can grow browallia in your garden. This annual has gorgeous blue flowers, often called sapphire or amethyst, and lush, dark green foliage. Unlike impatiens, browallia does not require deadheading and blooms continually throughout the growing season. This plant is a tropical perennial that can be moved indoors for winter.
Browallia is a low-maintenance, tropical plant that blooms in warm weather. This plant grows moderately fast and has a cushion-like growth habit. Its blooms are particularly lovely when cascading down a wall. It is a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers. Keep in mind that browallia is poisonous to pets and should not be grown in areas where they can reach them.
For a spectacular display in your yard, consider planting browallia in partial shade or in a container. The plant grows to about 36 inches tall and has small flowers. If you are a novice gardener, browallia is a good choice since it can be propagated from cuttings and overwintered indoors. You can also try Browallia speciosa, also known as bush violet, which blooms in blue or white. These plants are best grown in moist, well-drained soil.
Another shade plant you can try is the wax begonia. This plant grows tall and narrow, and does well in shade. This flower is a great choice for a cut flower garden. You can choose between several interesting series, each with different colors and sizes. They will bloom all summer long, so consider growing them in groups. They will provide an attractive and colorful display in your garden. And as an added bonus, they don’t require much fertilizer.
Lobelia
Annual lobelia are easy to grow, pest-free, and have delightful flower colors. Their long bloom period and attractive colors will add cheer to a garden from spring through fall. Older varieties should receive partial afternoon shade to flower, while newer heat-tolerant varieties will grow in any climate. For maximum flowering, give lobelia annual flowers for shade a semi-shady location and a watering every two weeks.
A perennial variety of lobelia grows to three feet tall and a foot wide. It grows well in moist, organic soil in partial or full shade. In general, lobelia prefers soil that is evenly moist and well-drained. A moist soil is ideal, but a little more water will not hurt this plant. Lobelia also tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay, but is best suited for medium-to-high-quality soil.
The foliage of lobelia is lance-shaped and varies from medium to deep green. Some types of lobelia are bronze-edged. This shade-tolerant perennial is deer-resistant. Plants should be planted 10 to 15 cm apart. Planting lobelia in the fall or early spring will increase their chances of flowering sooner. The foliage of the lobelia plant will grow well in full shade or partial shade, but if you don’t have that, try another annual flower, like orange Bonfire begonia.
Wax begonia
In a well-lit area, the wax begonia will grow to a height of about 6 inches (152 cm). In the shade, it can reach heights of about 3 feet (10 cm) or more. This annual flower needs high humidity and moisture to thrive. However, too much moisture can cause root rot. When watering the plant, remember to water it from beneath the leaves to prevent the growth of fungus, which looks like powdery mildew.
These plants can be grown as annuals or in pots. The Tuberous variety produces brightly colored, waxy flowers and is typically sold as a disposable plant. Hardy begonias are often used in containers and grow well in zones 6-7. They are also known as Hiemalis or Elatior begonias. Regardless of growing conditions, be sure to use a sheltered location if you plan to plant them in the shade.
Wax begonias grow well in a variety of conditions, and can be propagated from leaf cuttings or seeds. Planting should be done in spring, when soil and air are moist. A moist environment is best for root development, and the plant will take a little while to grow. Nevertheless, if properly taken care of, it will thrive and continue to bloom for a long time.
Nasturtium
Growing a nasturtium is simple. It likes moist soil and full sun, but will also grow in partial shade. You can plant nasturtiums by sowing the seeds in late spring or early summer. After the seeds have germinated, they should be planted outside in a sunny window. If you do not have a sunny window, you can start the seeds indoors in peat pots and transplant them into the garden.
Water regularly, once or twice a week. It can handle moderate drought but will probably not bloom if its soil is too dry. Make sure you remove spent blooms to promote new flower production. If the flowers are hidden under the leaves, prune the plants to promote new growth. Climbing varieties will require support. Make sure that the area surrounding the nasturtium is well-drained.
Another great reason to grow a Nasturtium in a shade garden is its edible tubers. These tubers can be eaten alone or cooked to make a delicious vegetable or side dish. They are rich in vitamin C and are often used as a seasoning in dishes. Unlike other annual flowers, Nasturtiums can also grow to be edible. You can eat the flower buds, but remember to remove the flowers when the tubers are too mature.