Most plants described as shade lovers actually are suitable for “part shade” locations. They will tolerate shade for most of the daylight hours, but they need some amount of sunlight each day in order to thrive. “Part shade” is defined by horticulturists as a location that offers 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plants rated for “dense shade” or “deep shade” are the only ones recognized to thrive with the complete absence of sunlight. There are relatively few of these plants, but one, the Impatiens, is mentioned here. As for “part-shade” plants, if no direct sunlight is possible, try to provide them with a good amount of filtered sunlight, such as that found under the canopy of tall trees. Containers are normally planted with annual flowers planted anew each season, but there are also some perennials that work well in container gardens. Here are 11 plants that work well for container plantings in shady locations. The colors of coleus are often so intense and complicated that you have to be a little careful when mixing them with other plants. Have some fun and try improbable color combinations—sometimes they work beautifully. Or plant them alone as specimen plants. Formerly categorized as Coleus blumei, this plant now carries the official name of Plectranthus scutellarioides.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; usually grown as an annualColor Varieties: Multi-colored foliageSun Exposure: Full shade to full sun depending on the varietySoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
Fuchsias are classic in hanging baskets, but can also look awesome in mixed containers. They look great paired with either complementary or contrasting colors. Fuchsia will flower all summer, and, if you live in a cold climate, you can bring it indoors to overwinter.
USDA Growing Zones: typically 9 and warmer ; usually grown as an annualColor Varieties: Reds, pinks, violetsSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
Wishbone flower is great in combinations, or, in the right container, it can be beautiful on its own. You can use it in hanging baskets, window boxes, or in any container with good drainage. It is relatively short, 6 to 18 inches, and will trail over the side of your container. In warm climates, Torenia will need protection from the heat.
USDA Growing Zones: NA; this is an annual or a houseplant in all climatesColor Varieties: Light to dark purpleSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
Coral bells are gorgeous and almost indestructible. Although they thrive in the shade, most coral bells will also tolerate some sun and are quite drought tolerant. The blooms on coral bells are rather small and often indistinct, but the foliage comes in many unusual colors, ranging from an almost black-purple to peach to bright key lime. Coral bells will attract hummingbirds and butterflies and some are hardy to a spectacular minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, looking amazing right up until the snow flies. While deadheading is not necessary, remove flower stems after they have bloomed to keep your plant looking great.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Dark purple to bright yellow-green foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to part shade (depending on variety)Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
Many newly developed trailing, angel, and dragon wing begonias that will bloom like crazy all summer. Most begonias need great drainage and do not want to be too wet. Some will be happy in full shade while some prefer filtered shade. Almost all flowering begonias need to be fed regularly and generously with diluted fertilizer.
USDA Growing Zones: typically 6 to 11, except for some hardy varietiesColor Varieties: White, orange, pink, red, and bicolorsSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: Purple and green/silver foliageSun Exposure: Bright light but not necessarily full sunSoil Needs: Medium-moisture, well-drained soil
These plants have delicate shamrock-shaped leaves and tubular flowers that open and close as light exposure changes. This is an easy-to-grow plant that plays well with others or looks good all by itself in a beautiful pot. The flowers are pretty, but this plant is all about color and texture. It looks lovely combined with Fuchsia or Torenia. If in partial shade, it also looks great planted with Bacopa. If you are located in a cold climate area, you can bring your oxalis inside for the winter and turn it into a house plant.
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 10, depending on speciesColor Varieties: White, pink, yellow, peach, and bicolorsSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, well-drained soil
The related New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) likes a bit more sun, but it will also do well in partial shade.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: Pink, red, lilac, purple, orange, white, and bi-colorsSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
Various cultivars are available in many different flower colors including blue, violet, purple, red, and pink.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: Blue/violet, red, pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: Green or silver foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium-moisture soil
This perennial plant is actually better suited for containers since it can be invasive if planted in the garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Yellow flowers; but normally grown for its green or yellow leavesSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil
