Summer flowers for shady spots
A shady balcony or yard can be challenging for many summer flowers. Luckily, there are plenty of tough plants that still thrive in low light. Here are 7 summer flowers that enjoy the shade!
Summer flowers for the shade
1. Fuchsias
Fuchsias [in Finnish] (Fuchsia spp.) are the queens of shady spots. They come in so many colors and shapes that it’s worth getting several varieties to create a lush, vibrant look. Also try the ‘Fuchsia triphylla’ variety, which has bright orange-red, tapered blooms in abundant clusters. It stands out from the others in appearance. Check out 6 fuchsia planting ideas here! [in Finnish]
Fuchsias thrive in partial or full shade. Fertilize regularly when you water. They tolerate rain but avoid planting them in a windy area, as stems weighed down by blooms can break easily.
If you can overwinter the plant indoors, you could even train it into a small tree. You can also propagate fuchsias from cuttings.
Height: 20–60 cm.
Growth habit: upright or trailing, depending on the variety.
2. Baby’s-breath spurge
Baby’s-breath spurge (Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Diamond Frost’) is a popular summer flower because it adapts to nearly any light condition. Its delicate white cloud of blossoms looks beautiful in mixed plantings that feature other large-flowered species.
Water your baby’s-breath spurge with fertilized water regularly but be mindful of overwatering. A short dry spell won’t hurt it. There’s no need to remove spent blooms, and the plant stays fresh all summer because new flowers quickly cover the old ones.
Height: 20–30 cm.
Growth habit: mound-forming.
3. Busy lizzie
Busy lizzie [in Finnish] (Impatiens walleriana) is terrific for shady spots. It comes in countless bright, variegated, and even double-flowered varieties, bringing plenty of color and variety to the darkest corners.
Plant busy lizzie in nutrient-rich soil, and water and fertilize [in Finnish] regularly. Because its water-filled stems are highly sensitive to cold, avoid placing it outdoors too early in spring. Busy lizzie requires little upkeep, as you don’t need to remove spent flowers; they fall off on their own.
Height: 20–30 cm.
Growth habit: mound-forming.
4. New Guinea impatiens
New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) adds a bright, tropical glow to shady areas with its vividly colored blooms. It grows well in a variety of places, from full sun to shade. Although it produces fewer blooms in the shade, its vibrant flowers are still worth planting there.
Fertilize New Guinea impatiens each time you water so the plant can continuously set new buds. You don’t need to remove spent blooms, as they fall off on their own. Keep in mind that its water-filled stems are prone to frost damage, so wait until after the danger of cold has passed before moving it outdoors.
Height: 30–50 cm.
Growth habit: upright.
5. Trailing begonia
Trailing begonia (Begonia Pendula) is highly versatile, thriving in both shade and sun. It’s also grown as a houseplant. Like tuberous begonias, trailing begonia needs nutrient-rich soil and prefers consistent moisture, although it can handle a short dry spell. It doesn’t like being too wet, so be careful not to overwater when it’s in a shady spot.
Avoid planting it where it’ll be exposed to strong wind, as gusts can break its fragile stems.
Height: 30–50 cm.
Growth habit: trailing.
6. Bacopa snowflake
Bacopa snowflake produces white or purple [in Finnish] flowers. It’s an excellent choice for a hanging basket or a large container [in Finnish], allowing its long stems to cascade over the edge. Bacopa snowflake blooms most abundantly in partial shade, but it still produces plenty of blooms in full shade [in Finnish]. The white-flowered variety is particularly well suited to shady conditions.
Bacopa snowflake is easy to care for because you don’t need to remove spent blooms. They drop on their own, and new flowers quickly take their place.
Water and fertilize it regularly to keep the blooms going strong all season.
Height: 25–50 cm.
Growth habit: trailing.
7. Tuberous begonia
Tuberous begonia [in Finnish] (Begonia x tuberhybrida) is sensitive to frost, so don’t put it outside too early in spring. Its water-filled stems can break easily. Plant tuberous begonia in nutrient-rich soil and fertilize it regularly so it keeps blooming all summer.
Tuberous begonia is a wonderful bloomer in shady or partly shady spots, but it can also do well in full sun if the soil stays moist. It’s vulnerable to powdery mildew when exposed to drought or excessive heat. For a shadier corner, pick a bright yellow or white variety for brightness.
Height: 30–50 cm.
Growth habit: upright.
Tip!
Looking for ideas for a sunny or partly shaded spot? These summer flowers thrive in full sun and these flowers love partial shade.
