The other day we started to look at plants that do well both in the shade and in pots – i.e. shade lovin’ plants that you can plant on a balcony or patio even if your space is lacking sunshine most of the time.
We got through some plants the other day, (click the image above to learn more) but we missed so many good ones that I’m posting another set. It’s a little selfish because I’m trying to choose plants for my own shaded balcony as we speak. Hopefully some of the ideas will help you as well.
- Wild ginger – grows in truly attractive mounds and while many people use it as a ground cover it looks great in a pot and the leaves are fantastic. Be aware that this plant can cause rashes in some people who eat it (or make tea with it) so be careful and research it well before using it for anything other than decor.
- Poker Primrose – not only is this one of the more striking shade plants but it’ll attract butterflies as well. Speaking of primroses, the traditional primrose does well in the shade and comes in a large variety of colors. I like pastel primroses, the more watercolor-like antique shades (soft pinks, yellow, cream), but they also come in bright bold shades too.
- Amethyst Astilbe – we looked at Astilbe in the last shade plant post but I just found this gorgeous shade of lavender Astilbe and had to share. I usually grow a less blue, more pink shade but I’m in love with this color.
- Mixed Lungwort – good for partially shaded hanging baskets but this plant needs moist soil so you have to stay on top of watering.
- Lobelia – the perfect trailing balcony or patio hanging basket plant. Read your seed packets or plant guides though before choosing a plant – some lobelia need a little more sun than others.
- Chervil – this is one of those herbs I don’t use much in recipes but I do like the scent and think it looks pretty in a pot. It’s delicate and curly and a sweet light green. Plenty of people do use this herb in cooking though so that’s another benefit of this shade lovin’ herb. If you like to cook with this herb I suggest you go organic.
- Bugleweed ‘Dixie Chip’ – I recently saw this mini Bugleweed and it’s so darn cute. The mini version is new to me, so I haven’t ever grown it, but I’m totally intrigued. It’d make a cool container filler.
Post from: Blisstree