Expert: C.L. Fornari - 4/2/2009

Question
I would like to know what kinds of annual that i can plant in a shady area in front of my house in the flower beds.

Answer
Noreen,
There are several annuals that are fantastic in shade. The first, and most popular, is Impatiens. They provide color from May until frost, are available in inexpensive six-packs, and are pretty carefree once planted.  Fancier types of impatiens are available in pots including rosebud impatiens and the Fusion series that come in exotic colors like mango and yellow.

Begonias are also great in the shade. Tuberous begonias have huge flowers in bright colors, angel wing begonias grow to about 18" tall and have pretty foliage and lots of delicate flowers, and rex begonias have purple and silver foliage.  All do well in shade.  Coleus is a brightly colored foliage plant that comes in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes.

Many of the plants commonly sold as house plants are great annuals in shade as well. Ferns, spider plant, and variegated ivy grow well outdoors and mix in with begonias and coleus.

Finally, in places where the summers don't get too hot, Lobelia is a great annual in shade with pretty blue flowers. This plant doesn't do well when temperatures go over 80, however, so if you live where it gets hot, lobelia will disappear once the temperatures climb.

I hope this helps!

C.L.
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