Full Shade Container Plants: An Overview
If you have a shady balcony, patio, or garden, don't worry! You can still create a beautiful and vibrant outdoor space by choosing the right plants for your containers. In this article, we'll explore some of the best full shade container plants that are easy to grow and maintain.
Top 15 Full Shade Container Plants
1. Ferns
Ferns are classic shade-loving plants that add a touch of elegance and grace to any container garden. They come in various shapes and sizes, from the delicate maidenhair fern to the large and lush Boston fern. Ferns prefer moist soil and indirect sunlight, making them perfect for shady spots.
How to Care for Ferns:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
2. Hostas
Hostas are another popular choice for shade gardens. These leafy perennials come in a wide range of colors and textures, from deep green to variegated yellow or white. Hostas thrive in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial to full shade.
How to Care for Hostas:
- Water deeply once a week, and more often in hot weather.
- Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide the clumps every three to four years to promote healthy growth.
3. Heucheras
Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are shade-loving perennials that offer a splash of color to your container garden. They have beautiful foliage in shades of purple, green, or bronze, and produce delicate spikes of flowers in early summer. Heucheras prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Heucheras:
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilize with a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
- Cut back the spent blooms to promote more flowers.
4. Impatiens
Impatiens are annuals that are well-known for their colorful flowers and ability to thrive in shady conditions. They come in a wide range of colors, from white to pink, red, orange, and purple. Impatiens prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Impatiens:
- Water frequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
5. Begonias
Begonias are another popular choice for shady container gardens. They have attractive foliage in shades of green or bronze, and produce beautiful blooms in a variety of colors. Begonias prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Begonias:
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth.
6. Coleus
Coleus is a colorful annual that is well-suited for containers in shady spots. They have striking foliage in shades of red, pink, green, or yellow, and can tolerate a range of soil conditions. Coleus prefer partial to full shade.
How to Care for Coleus:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth.
7. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a beautiful flowering plant that loves the shade. They produce bell-shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white, and can add a touch of elegance to any container garden. Fuchsia prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Fuchsia:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back the tips to encourage more blooms.
8. Violas
Violas are low-growing annuals that are perfect for shady container gardens. They have cheerful flowers in shades of purple, yellow, or white, and can bloom from early spring to late fall. Violas prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Violas:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Deadhead the spent blooms to promote more flowers.
9. Astilbes
Astilbes are shade-loving perennials that have feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. They prefer moist soil and can tolerate partial to full shade.
How to Care for Astilbes:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
- Cut back the spent blooms to promote more flowers.
10. Lamium
Lamium, also known as dead nettle, is a low-growing ground cover that thrives in shady areas. They have attractive foliage in shades of silver or green, and produce small flowers in shades of pink or white. Lamium prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Lamium:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Trim back the stems to promote bushy growth.
11. Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are shade-loving perennials that produce beautiful flowers in late winter or early spring. They come in a range of colors, from white to pink, red, or purple. Hellebores prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Hellebores:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
- Remove the old leaves in late winter to promote new growth.
12. Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vine is a fast-growing annual that is perfect for adding a splash of color to your container garden. They have attractive foliage in shades of green, purple, or variegated, and can trail down the sides of your pots or baskets. Sweet potato vine prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Sweet Potato Vine:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth.
13. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart is a shade-loving perennial that produces delicate pink or white heart-shaped flowers in spring. They have attractive foliage that can add interest to your container garden even when not in bloom. Bleeding heart prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Bleeding Heart:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring.
- Cut back the spent blooms to promote more flowers.
14. Lungwort
Lungwort is a low-growing perennial that is perfect for shady areas. They have attractive foliage in shades of green, silver, or spotted, and produce small flowers in shades of pink, blue, or white. Lungwort prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Lungwort:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
- Deadhead the spent blooms to promote more flowers.
15. Caladiums
Caladiums are tropical plants that are well-suited for containers in shady spots. They have large, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, pink, red, or white, and can add a touch of drama to your container garden. Caladiums prefer well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
How to Care for Caladiums:
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Remove the old leaves to promote healthy growth.
FAQs
1. Can I use the same container for different shade-loving plants?
Yes, you can! Just make sure that the plants have similar growing requirements and don't overcrowd the container.
2. Do full shade container plants need fertilizer?
Yes, most full shade container plants benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and colorful blooms.
3. How often should I water my full shade container plants?
It depends on the plant and the weather conditions. Generally, you should water your container plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
4. What should I do if my full shade container plants are getting too leggy?
You can pinch back the stems to promote bushy growth, or move the container to a location with more light.
5. Can I grow vegetables in full shade containers?
Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so it may be challenging to grow them in full shade containers. However, you can try growing leafy greens, herbs, or root vegetables that tolerate partial shade.
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