How-to Video
Choosing Spring-Summer
Shade Annuals

There are many great shade plants for southeastern gardens. Here are some of our favorites:

New Guinea Impatiens:

• One of the best shade annuals to get a pop of color
• Large, bright colored flowers and some have fun foliage color Grow 1-2' tall and wide

Begonias:

• Green leaf begonias take full shade, while bronze leaf begonias can take a little more sun

Torenia:

• Commonly called the wishbone flower
• The flower shape is similar to a snapdragon and every bit as colorful
• Grow 6-12" tall and 6-9" wide

Coleus:

• Provides foliage, color, and texture
• In container gardens, it's a great filler plant
• Comes in an array of colors from lime green, deep burgundy to a mix of colors

Caladiums:

• A foliage plant that comes in an array of varieties
• Provide height in the garden and will spread
• Choose from green and white caladiums, green and red, and many, many more

• Shade: Areas that receive less than 3 hours of shade and are shaded most of the day
• Partial Shade: Areas where the sun is filtered, usually leaves and foliage, and peek through for most of the day

It's important to have good soil for two reasons:

• It has the nutrients plants need to establish a healthy root system
• Good soil will provide the plant with good drainage so it gets enough water, but it's not sitting in water which would cause the roots to rot.

In the garden:

• Amend soil with Pike Planting Mix at a 50/50 ratio with the native soil

• Use a high-quality Potting Mix like Pike Potting & Containing Soil

A consistent watering schedule is important for all plants, including shade annuals

• You want to keep the soil slightly moist to the touch.
• Remember, shady areas don't dry out as quickly, so adjust the water schedule as needed.

Fertilize your shade annuals:

• If you planted mostly flowering shade annuals, use a fertilizer like E.B. Stone Ultra Blooms
• If you planted a combination of flowering and foliage, use a fertilizer like E.B. Stone All Purpose Plant Food Share via :