Beyond the Sun - Container Garden Beauties for Shady Sanctuaries
by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener
Flower gardening is always most effortless when you have plenty of sun to work with, but this is only sometimes possible. Especially in small landscapes or urban environments where homes are closely positioned, a deck or patio often experiences shade or semi-shade conditions that call for container gardening with plants suited for such environments. Here's my list of blooming beauties to create a shady sanctuary.
Begonias in containers on your patio will be a showstopper with their captivating beauty and low-maintenance charm. Their versatility allows you to mix and match colors and varieties for a personalized display. Begonias add a touch of elegance and color to your patio and attract pollinators, bringing life and vibrancy to your outdoor oasis.
Coleus in containers on your patio will be the envy of all your neighbors with their vibrant, multicolored foliage. Not only do they come in many dazzling colors and patterns, from deep reds and purples to bright pinks and yellows, but they also offer a low-maintenance way to add a splash of color and texture to your outdoor space. Their versatility allows you to quickly move them around to find the perfect lighting conditions, and their compact size makes them ideal for smaller patios or balconies.
Fuchsias in containers on your patio will be the showstoppers of your outdoor space. These elegant flowers, with their vibrant, dangling blooms, thrive in the partial shade that patios often provide. Their versatility allows you to hang them, display them on stands, or integrate them into your potted plant arrangements. You can quickly move them around by planting them in containers to find optimal light conditions or showcase them wherever you desire. They'll attract hummingbirds and add whimsy and color to your patio oasis throughout Summer.
Gardenia in a container on your patio offers a delightful blend of beauty and convenience. Their exquisite white blooms and intoxicating fragrances create a captivating ambiance, transforming your patio into a fragrant oasis. Additionally, container planting provides better control over soil quality and drainage, which is crucial for the health and vitality of your gardenia. Imagine relaxing on your patio, surrounded by the alluring scent and elegance of gardenia blossoms, a truly enchanting experience.
Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, is a perfect addition to your container garden due to its stunning foliage diversity. From deep purples and burgundies to bright chartreuse and amber, their leaves create a vibrant tapestry of color throughout the seasons. Their compact size makes them ideal for container gardens, and they thrive in partial shade found off patios. Many varieties even boast attractive blooms in the spring, adding another layer of visual interest to your outdoor space.
Hosta offers a versatile, low-maintenance way to add lush greenery and elegant foliage to your patio. Their shade-loving nature makes them perfect for brightening up areas with limited sunlight. At the same time, their wide variety of sizes and colors allows you to customize the look to match your patio's aesthetic. Additionally, container planting will enable you to move the Hosta around, creating dynamic focal points and adapting to changing light conditions throughout the seasons.
Hydrangea in containers on your patio offers vibrant color and charm, transforming your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis. Their adaptability to container life and stunning blooms in various hues make them an ideal choice for adding a touch of elegance to your patio. You can quickly move them around to find the perfect sunlight exposure or create a focal point for outdoor gatherings. They'll reward you with minimal care with a stunning floral display that will envy your neighbors.
Impatiens, with their vibrant and cheerful blooms, make an excellent addition to any container garden on your patio. Their low-maintenance nature and shade-loving preference mean you can enjoy their beauty without constant fuss. They are perfect for brightening up shady corners or adding pops of color to your outdoor space.
Trailing Lobelia is a stunning flowering plant that thrives in containers and hanging baskets, making it a perfect addition to your patio. With its cascading stems adorned with vibrant blooms in shades of blue, purple, or white, Trailing Lobelia adds a touch of elegance and color to any outdoor space. Its delicate foliage and profuse flowering create a visually appealing display that lasts for weeks, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your patio. Not only is Trailing Lobelia a beautiful ornamental plant, but it is also low-maintenance and easy to care for. Whether you hang it on a hook or on a pedestal, Trailing Lobelia will transform your patio into a charming oasis.
Free Garden Classes are offered @ Watters Garden Center
We go deep into growing better. Check out this Summer's class selection offered every Saturday @ 9:30 am.
September 14 – Tough 8 & How to Grow Them
September 21 – Privacy Plants for Secret Gardens
September 28 – Stunning Container Gardens
Until next week, I'll be helping gardeners with patio containers here at Watters Garden Center.
