Expert: Mike Mascio - 2/9/2004

Question
WE MOVED TO NORTHER SOUTH CAROLINA.  OUR YARD AND PORCH WILL BE HEAVY SHADE.  ANY SUGGESTIONS ON FLOWERING ANNUALS FOR THE GROUND OR POTS?  I REALLY LIKE THE KIND THAT CAN BE CUT FOR VASES, BUT WILL SETTLE WITH ANYTHING THAT HAS BLOOMS, ETC.

THANKS

Answer
Barb, there are many plants available that thrive in shady areas.  Unfortunately, the selection for flowering plants is rather limited.

I would recommend impatiens and begonias.  Hosta is a perennial that will do just fine and provides stunning foliage and late blooms.  Coleus is an annual that also is grown for its colorful foliage.  I also have a variety of yews and conifers that grow very well in the shade.  Any or all of these will grow well in containers, but none are suitable for cut flowers.

Thanks for writing.

Regards,

Mike