In case you haven’t yet decided what plants are right for your covered porch, you should know that there are many choices available. In this article, we’ll discuss Japanese forest grass, Lantanas, Redtwig Dogwood, and Creeping Jenny. But you can also find many more ideas if you read on. For more inspiration, check out these other great choices:
Lantanas
Lantanas are beautiful houseplants that grow well in covered porches. They need about six hours of bright sunlight per day and prefer part shade. In zones seven and above, lantanas should be planted in the fall. Be sure to mulch the plants heavily if your porch has periods of prolonged freezing. Then you can enjoy your houseplant for several years. In addition, lantanas are hardy and low-maintenance.
Lantanas can overwinter indoors in marginal climates and can be grown outdoors if the winter is mild. Planting them in the spring or fall ensures their survival during the winter. Mulch them with organic material to improve their drainage and water retention. Lantanas can also be grown from seeds, although they are more expensive than bamboo. When planted in pots, lantanas prefer rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add some pine needles to increase the acidity of the soil to encourage root growth. Lantanas do not need fertilizer, although too much will reduce their bloom.
Lantanas are known for their medicinal uses. The leaves are used for skin rashes and cuts and are sometimes brewed as a tea. Their berries are also used in cooking. In Ecuador, lantana berries are consumed regularly. The berries have a high toxicity level, but the berry extract is nontoxic. The plant genus has many species. In some countries, lantanas are considered a weed and invasive.
Japanese forest grass
Japanese forest grass is a versatile plant that can thrive in shade or part sun. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including average to rich organic soil. Once established, it requires little maintenance, and will flourish in moderately moist conditions. It can tolerate drought if planted in a well-drained soil. It is best to use organic mulch to provide the necessary nutrients. Fertilize only in the spring after new growth appears to encourage a lush, green appearance.
Known as Japanese forest grass, this plant is an excellent choice for a covered porch. It grows well in partial shade or full shade and is deer resistant. It’s also a great choice for a rain garden. Most ornamental grasses are perennial, but some are grown as annuals that last only one growing season. The stems of these plants are erect and can be tied together to create a beautiful clump.
Hakone grass is a slow-growing ornamental grass that grows well in shady areas. It has long, lance-shaped leaves that are attractive to the eye and make a rustling sound in the wind. Its leaves are green with long yellow stripes, turning chartreuse in deep shade. This grass thrives in the shade and needs occasional divisions to maintain its compact growth habit.
Redtwig Dogwood
Redtwig dogwood is a great choice for a covered porch because it is a colorful winter feature that will last throughout the entire year. This plant is deciduous and loses its leaves in the fall but produces bright red stems during winter months. Redtwig dogwoods grow well in containers, but you should water them regularly to maintain their vibrant color. These plants need a good deal of sun, and you should plant them in full sunlight. They are available at Home Depot for about $32 per one-gallon plant.
Redtwig dogwood grows well in containers and can be divided every three to four years if you want to add more foliage. You can also plant a single hosta plant in a container, since they do well in shade. While they grow in shade, they also lose their leaves after the fall foliage turns orange and red. Amsonia tabernaemontana is hardy in zones 3 through nine. Pruning is required during the summer months.
Redtwig dogwood is one of the best plants for covered patios. It can survive in a variety of soil conditions, but it prefers boggy soil. Its best color is found on the new stems, so be sure to trim them regularly. It will be worth it in the end, but it needs some attention to get going first. In the spring, redtwig dogwood has blooms that resemble cherry blossoms, but they are also great for edging.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jennys can be an attractive addition to your porch. These plants require adequate light, water and soil. They also need to be in a cooler location during winter. Plants with deep shade are best avoided. They may not produce dense foliage. Plants should be placed in a cool location to ensure that they grow well. You should also consider keeping them in a container for protection. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of their foliage while keeping them out of direct sunlight.
You should leave at least 12 inches between creeping Jenny plants. They can fill a space if planted too close together. You can divide individual plants and repot them as needed. They are easy to propagate and spread via rhizomes or seeds. Plant cuttings in water to encourage germination. Alternatively, you can plant seeds in soil or pots. Once the seeds have germinated, make sure the soil is evenly moist and avoid dumping them. This can result in invasive growth the following year.
Moneywort is another common name for Creeping Jenny. It grows in USDA zones four to nine. This plant is native to bog gardens and requires constant watering. Because moneywort needs consistent moisture, it is best to place your plant in an area where it can receive rainwater. Otherwise, you can collect rainwater or use other water sources without harsh chemicals. In either case, make sure to take care of your Creeping Jenny plants.
Petunias
One of the most popular porch plants is a petunia. These cheerful annuals need full sun and regular watering and fertilization. They can tolerate occasional shade, but are more difficult to care for. They also need regular pruning. To cut them, follow their stem down to their first pair of leaves. Petunias enjoy temperatures between 61 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and don’t like temperatures below freezing. They also do well in hanging baskets, where they provide color and texture without too much maintenance.
The flowering season lasts all summer and fall. Wave petunias are the queen of flowering trailing plants and hanging baskets. The flowers are absolutely beautiful! The blooms grow so densely that they can cover a pot. These annuals do well in full sun, but should not be over-watered. They can be used as foundation plants, as well as potted for a colorful porch.
Planting begonias is easy, since they do well in both sun and shade. Be sure to choose one with long leaves for full spilling effect. The wishbone-shaped flowers have bright, colorful stamens and come in a variety of colors. Some species are lavender, while others have yellow markings. Depending on the variety, they can bloom every month. They thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, and can also be used in hanging baskets.
Ferns
If you have a covered porch, ferns are an excellent choice. Ferns grow well under filtered sunlight and look fantastic alongside other plants in a pot. Ajuga, hosta, and English ivy make attractive planting combinations. However, if you’re planting a fern in your covered porch, you should place it toward the back. Although Boston ferns prefer indirect light, Kimberly Queen ferns can tolerate filtered sunlight.
Begonias grow well in a shady area and require monthly watering. They also thrive in tall containers and should be planted on the shady side of the porch. Begonias are a perennial or an annual, and prefer well-drained soil. They look great in containers and can be planted in borders and ground covers. Ferns are easy to maintain and can provide shade and fragrance.
Pentas prefer partial shade, but they also have large polished leaves that add texture to containers. You can also choose from several varieties of ferns, including the evergreen and semi-evergreen species. Aside from ferns, you can try to buy a hanging basket with graceful ferns. Vinca is a wonderful option because of its beautiful heart-shaped leaves and can grow in partial shade.
Ferns are also ideal for porches because they’re easy to maintain. Ferns will multiply rapidly with little effort, and their foliage bounces back after a watering. You can add color to fern foliage by fertilizing it once a month with water-soluble fertilizer. Ferns will thrive with regular watering and are easy to care for. In fact, ferns are among the best plants for covered porches, so go ahead and plant a fern.
