There are many plants that thrive in screened porches, but not all of them are suitable for this type of outdoor living space. Shade-loving plants are best for screened porches, while light sun-loving plants may survive. If you don’t mind plants that won’t get direct sunlight, try trees for their height and lack of maintenance. Succulent plants are a good choice because they store water in their leaves and can tolerate direct sunlight, although they may burn if they receive too much sunlight.
Shade-loving plants
When choosing shade-loving plants for your screened porch, make sure to analyze the amount of sun the area receives each day. Make note of how long the sun stays in the area, and what direction it comes from. If the porch is in deep shade, you may be limited to deep-shaded plants. If you know what to expect from the light, it will make your search for shade-loving plants easier.
For dappled shade, look no further than the elephant ear plant. This plant’s large, polished leaves add a tropical touch. While it prefers full sunlight, it’s also happy in partial shade. It does require a moist soil and will bloom better during the warm months. Another great plant for partial shade is the sweet potato vine. This vine displays heart-shaped leaves and will grow to over two feet.
For container planting, there are numerous shade-loving perennials and annuals perfect for your porch. Choose one that will grow throughout the summer and fall seasons. These colorful plants will not only add curb appeal to your porch, but they will also attract hummingbirds. Whether you use a planter in a window or a large planter, lobelia flowers will add color and attract hummingbirds to your porch.
You can also choose plants that tolerate part shade and need partial sunlight to thrive. Some of the most popular choices include marigold, geranium, and lantana. They can grow in full sun and part shade, but they don’t grow well in deep shade. If you want to get the most out of your screened porch, you can consider the sedum, a plant that thrives in shade. It will give you flowers year after year.
Choosing the right shade-loving plants for screened porch is an essential step for the ultimate comfort of your screened porch. Because screened porches receive little direct sunlight, you should choose plants that can survive in such conditions. Plants that need constant pinching and cutting back will look sparse and unappealing unless they are regularly fertilized. So choose your plants wisely and enjoy your screened porch!
Pollinator-friendly flowers
If you’re looking for a way to attract pollinators to your screened porch, consider planting pollinator-friendly flowers. They can live in either a sunny or shady area. While some of these flowers prefer full sun, others thrive in partial sunlight and protection from the wind. To make your garden look beautiful and attract pollinators, consider planting annual or perennial seeds. These can attract pollinators and block out difficult views.
One such plant is the American columbine. This spring-blooming native is a favorite of butterflies, hummingbirds, and long-tongued bees. Its small, orange or yellow flowers are filled with nectar that attracts a wide variety of pollinators. Aside from the traditional orange or yellow flowers, this plant also grows in pink, lavender, and white hues. It thrives in full sun, but needs well-drained soil and isn’t as drought-tolerant as its cousins.
Butterfly-friendly plants attract butterflies and other pollinators and are easy to grow. Zinnia seeds are easy to grow and produce blooms all year long. Make sure to clip off faded flowers as they become old. Many butterflies are attracted to certain colors of flowers, so grouping flowering plants according to their blooms can make attracting these beauties easier. In addition to this, group your plants by color and type to make it easier for pollinators to recognize them.
A pollinator-friendly garden can be created on your balcony or patio. Many of these plants thrive in containers and are perfect for a screened porch or patio. Our front yard, for example, is filled with flowering annuals and perennials. Plants in clusters or swaths will allow pollinators to work a larger area and be more efficient. You may also want to consider growing some edible plants.
Plants with nectar are also beneficial to pollinators. Butterfly nectar, like that produced by milkweed, attracts butterflies and other beneficial insects. The flowers also attract hummingbirds. Some of these flowers are edible for bees, but they do require an area with a water source. Hummingbirds eat insects that feed on nectar, so plant them in your screened porch.
Perennials
Choosing the right plant is essential for the aesthetics and functionality of your screened porch. Whether you want to add color to your porch or just want some filtered sunlight, these perennials are perfect for your space. Many of these plants require low watering, and are deer and rabbit resistant. Clematis is an evergreen vine, with more than 300 species and hybrids. They can also be grown in containers. For a screened porch, you can try the vine-like, heart-shaped clematis.
Autumn Joy Sedum is a hardy sun-loving plant that can survive in pots. Asparagus ferns and Maiden Hair ferns are also lovely choices. Coleus, also known as Japanese pachysandra, provides color in the foliage and is great for planting at higher angles. Although they require a bit of maintenance, this perennial will provide a welcoming, tropical look to your screened porch.
Daylilies are a hard-working perennial that will send up a mass of bloom in the summer. They have grass-like foliage and can be pruned to a third of their height once the flowers die down. Daylilies can tolerate dry soil and rarely experience insect or disease problems once they have grown. They can even tolerate part shade. They have low water needs and tolerate moderate shade. There are also a number of other perennials that can be used in containers.
Hostas are another perennial that you can choose for your porch. Hostas grow in filtered light and make a stunning groundcover plant. They can also be used as a front porch plant. Because they grow wide, they do best in a pot. Otherwise, they will overgrow and be unwieldy in a pot. A wide pot is recommended for hostas, since their roots tend to grow wide instead of deep.
Impatiens are easy to grow on a porch and look great alone or in larger flower arrangements. They grow best in partial shade but do not grow well in full sun. They come in many colors and will blend well with other plants on your front porch. They also tolerate low light and well-drained soil. If you want to add some color and interest to your porch, impatiens are the way to go.
Succulents
When it comes to selecting plants for a screened porch, succulents are an excellent choice. Not only are they drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, but their colorful foliage also adds to the porch’s curb appeal. You can purchase a variety of succulents at a hobby store, and they’ll look amazing in a bowl or wire stand. You can even create a fairy garden if you’re feeling adventurous.
For a tropical look, consider planting an elephant ear plant. Its glossy leaves and long, narrow stems are perfect for a screened porch. This plant requires bright, filtered light, but is tolerant of partial shade. It can tolerate partial shade, though it thrives in well-drained soil. It also produces lovely blooms during the summer, but is best grown in warm weather. Another favorite hanging basket plant is sweet potato vine, which has heart-shaped leaves and grows best in partial shade.
Succulents make the perfect choice for a small porch because they grow well in containers. They’re also perfect for creating a carpet of color and making the porch look more cohesive. They can be planted in a sloping location and will not get soggy like standard peat-based potting soil. If you want to create an impressive, unique look for your porch, succulents make for the perfect plant for it.
The hottest addition to any porch is succulents. These plants are easy to care for, but they need some TLC. If you’re not sure how to care for your succulents, consider taking a free succulents course. You’ll learn everything you need to know to get started on your succulent garden. You’ll also benefit from a member-only Succulent Lovers Club. Succulents make great gifts for your porch, and we offer a variety of membership options for beginners.
Before selecting plants for a screened porch, analyze the amount of light coming into the space. If the space is bright or sunny, note its length and direction. Some succulents prefer deep shade, while others need indirect sunlight. If you’re not sure what type of light your porch receives, consider succulents that store water in their leaves. While some varieties require minimal watering, others thrive under full sun. They will need to be watered weekly, so choose the appropriate plants for the location.