Plant Care

Most of us have both sunny and shady spots for outdoor containers. My garden’s darkest spot is on my front porch, which faces north and is protected by deep eaves. It’s where my most sun-shy plants can enjoy the breezes and humidity of summer without direct sun.

Just six feet away from the house, outside the protection of the eaves, is where I grow plants that enjoy more light. Here, and out further from the house is where I hang baskets of Begonias, Fuchsia, many coleus varieties, and ferns. Here are some plants I’ve had success with, either as hanging baskets or in large containers on the ground on my north side.

Best Varieties

1. Begonia – here are just a few of the hundreds of Begonia varieties you’ll find at your local nursery:

   1. Nonstop^@ – more like roses, the flowers of this tuberous hybrid are not to be ignored. Their flowers measure up to four inches across, and are available in dozens of colors. They’re heat tolerant, look great in hanging baskets, and love a few hours of morning sun or several hours of filtered light.
   2. ‘Santa Cruz’ – one of the first varieties of Begonia boliviensis to hit the hanging basket world by storm just a few years ago, today, hybrids abound. I’m excited at the prospect of finding a new series called Groovy, introduced by Benary Plants.
   3. ‘Canary Wings’ is one of the easiest and most versatile Begonias to grow. Give it a bit of sun and its leaves, which are its best feature, shine like a caution light in any container. Sprinkled among its wing-shaped leaves are bright red flowers that provide the perfect accent.

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