The past 2 months we have showcased flowers that can survive our Texas heat and full sun.
This month, let's look at what can be planted in your landscape that are partial shade/full shade tolerant. There are many colorful choices that can be planted so your flower beds are still full of vibrant color!
Amount of shade: Some plants prefer full shade, while others can tolerate partial shade or even full shade. Several flowers thrive in shaded areas, including hydrangeas, caladiums, impatiens, begonias, coleus, and ferns.
Foliage versus flowers: If you're looking for color, consider plants with vibrant foliage like caladiums or coleus. If you want blooms, hydrangeas, impatiens, and begonias are good options. For more texture to your landscape, consider different types of ferns.
Watering needs: Ensure you choose plants that are suited to your watering habits and local conditions. In the heat of summer, beds may need to be watered every other day to make sure they continue to thrive in the Texas heat.
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Hydrangeas: A classic choice for shade, hydrangeas like Annabelle and Endless Summer provide beautiful blooms. For a garden that explodes with color, you can’t miss with hydrangeas. These carefree perennial shrubs open their big, beautiful flowers in summer, adding pops of pink, blue, lavender and snowy white to the landscape. Hydrangeas fade beautifully into fall as well, with some varieties changing from creamy white into shades of dusty pink. You may be surprised to know that while hydrangeas look delicate, they’re actually pretty tough and adaptable to a variety of conditions when you choose the right type.
Caladiums: Caladiums have been grown as shade-loving ornamental plants for hundreds of years. But the fact that their foliage will not tolerate full sun has limited their use. Over the past 50 years, caladium breeding efforts have focused on developing new cultivars that can grow in sun as well as in shade. Their colors range from white/green to green/deep red.
Impatiens: Impatiens is a tender plant with long-lasting blooms, flowering continuously right through summer and autumn, often right up until the first frost. Impatiens are compact-growing, adaptable and versatile plants that can be grown in all types of pots and containers as well as in borders or raised beds.
Begonias: Begonias are warm-climate plants. Some varieties produce large, lush flowers in bold colors. Others (such as Rex Begonias) make their statements with artfully patterned foliage that is equally compelling. While Begonias have traditionally been treasured for use in shady or low-light situations, many newer varieties offer the same performance in full sun. Use these remarkably varied and beautiful plants in garden beds and containers.
Ferns: Ferns are a staple in shady areas, offering delicate foliage and textures. There are many varieties, but the most common in beds are sword fern, foxtail fern, and holly fern. Hardy ferns are a perfect companion to the shade garden offering textures and colors not available in any other perennial.
Coleus: Mostly grown as annuals, coleus are low-maintenance plants with attractive foliage. What makes coleus so popular is its versatility: the plants are easy to grow, stay vibrant in both sun and shade, and tolerate almost any soil type.
