Expert: C.L. Fornari - 9/23/2007

Question
Our Connecticut third (top) floor condo unit has an 8'x 20' open deck with an ENE exposure, overlooking a wooded area, and in shade after about 1300 hrs. With an umbrella table and six chairs there is enough room for three 22" flower boxes and a 48" wide two-level plant stand. The deck is fully visible from our living room windows.  The building siding is biege. Any suggestions re annuals type and colors?

Answer
David,
First of all, any of the usual houseplants would do very well on such a deck - you could enjoy them outdoors for the summer and bring them in during the winter. Crotons (very colorful leaves) and ferns would be especially nice. Annuals that would thrive in this situation would be the impatiens (and look for the Fusion series - peach and yellow and unusual) including the New Guinea impatiens.  Begonias - either wax, angle wing or "non-stop" would do just fine although the non-stop (tuberous) shed flowers that can become slippery on decks. Purple Heart (Setcreasea) has purple foliage and lavender flowers - combines nicely with other plants.  The Marguarite Sweet Potato Vine is a good trailer for part-shade boxes, and Coleus comes with foliage of all colors and sizes.

I hope this helps,
C.L. Fornari