Many of us have one or two shady spots in our gardens that we would love to fill with color. Full or partial shade can seem to limit our options a bit when it comes to planting perennials. (Hosta garden, anyone?) In fact, there are a number of flowering perennials that thrive in shade. However, if you really want to brighten up those dark corners, shade-tolerant annuals are the way to go. Blooms often last right up until the first frost. With plenty of options available at nurseries and garden centers, you’re sure to find the color combinations you want- and some you never even knew you needed!

Shade

Step one is determining what type of shade you have. Partial shade is an area that receives 4-6 hours of shade per day. Maybe the east side of a house or garage that only gets morning sun, or the dappled light that gets filtered through the trees. Areas that are considered full shade receive no direct sunlight at all. These are the spots where you might think it’s impossible to dispel the gloom. But there is definitely an annual for that.

Coleus

For spots with some morning sun and afternoon shade, it’s hard to beat the coleus plant, or Plectranthus scutellarioides. Gardeners grow coleus for its decorative variegated leaves in all shapes, sizes, and shades. In fact, pinching the plants back every few weeks to prevent the spiky flowers from forming is a common practice among fans of these shade-lovers. This keeps the plants from becoming too “leggy.” Coleus are pretty low-maintenance. To get the best performance, plant in a well-draining soil and fertilize regularly. Their stunning leaves are at home in beds and borders, or in containers, and they are especially attractive when multiple varieties in complementary colors are grown together.

Caladiums

Caladiums are another group of plants gardeners grow primarily for their show-stopping foliage. These plants succeed at brightening up those dark corners where nothing seems to thrive. Seedlings are readily available at most garden centers. If growing from tubers, space 8-12” apart and look for the side with the most “eyes” (growing points) and face up. Site plants in a well-draining spot and water regularly. Making sure soil stays moist, but never soggy. In addition to adding a pop of color to the garden, caladium leaves look fantastic in flower arrangements. Feel free to snip a bit of foliage as needed.

Impatiens

Impatiens plants are among the most instantly recognizable of the shade-lovers. Gardeners love impatiens flowers in deeply shaded borders due to their bright, cheerful flowers. A moist, well-draining soil yields the best results. Water regularly and fertilize throughout the season. To achieve a lush “bank” of flowers, site plants very close together- mere inches apart- and they will quickly fill in the gaps for a sea of blooms that lasts all summer long.

Or for a different look, try New Guinea impatiens. With flowers that are jewel-toned and foliage that is often variegated and dramatic, New Guinea impatiens have a vibrant, dynamic look that attracts attention in beds and containers- and hummingbirds too! These easy to grow plant will reach 12-15 inches in height. They like a shady location with rich, well-drained soil.

Fuchsias

Fuschia are often grown in hanging baskets and containers to showcase their blooms that arc gracefully over the sides and end with a bold pop of color. Perfectly happy in full shade, these annuals grow around a foot tall, and prefer frequent watering in a rich potting soil that drains well, but retains moisture, especially during extended periods of hot weather.  Feeding with a water soluble fertilizer every few weeks throughout the growing season will result in a seemingly endless display of blooms.

Begonias

For me, no shade garden would be complete without a begonia or two. These plants appreciate being tucked away from direct sunlight, which can burn their trademark leaves. My personal favorite is the dragon wing begonia, a hybrid of the wax and angel wing varieties. With the glossy, waxy leaves of the wax begonia, and the canelike draping stems of the angel wing, dragon wing begonias are a perfect combination of the best of both parents. The resulting plants have a dense, bushy growth habit and large leaves of dense green. Their pink or red flowers atop slender stalks are gorgeous.

Plants are easy care, can grow up to 15” tall and 18” wide, and don’t need pruning. They will branch out and fill in your space quickly in flower beds. Indoor plant lovers prefer to grow them in containers and hanging baskets, where leaves and flower clusters will drape over the sides for a verdant, exotic look. A rich, moist, but well-draining soil will keep plants happy. Fertilizing with Osmocote every few weeks throughout the season will give profuse, vibrant blooms.

Another favorite is the Nonstop begonia. Their flowers are bold and pretty show-stoppers. There’s a large range of colors to choose from- yellow, pink, orange, apricot, and plenty others. Plants grow 8-9” tall, with a mounding form. They look lovely in containers or planted directly in the flowerbed, as long as soil drains well to prevent stems from rotting. Locate them out of the path of direct sun and fertilize monthly for the best blooming.

Perhaps the best thing about planting annuals is the freedom to try different things- varieties, color combinations- and see what works best for you and your space. All of the plants on this list are reliable, and will put on a great show until fall. And next year? Shake things up and try something new!