AMES — The garden centers and greenhouses are fully-stocked with annuals for spring planting. Annuals are a perfect addition to the landscape to provide color that lasts throughout the summer. Although most annuals prefer several hours of direct sunlight for maximum growth and bloom, there are a few annuals that prefer the darker corners of the garden. In this article, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists answer questions about the annual plants that can be grown in the shady spots of the landscape in Iowa.

How much light do shade gardens receive?

Not all shady garden areas are created equal, and not all shade gardens are void of direct sun. In fact, most shaded areas well-suited for growing annuals should receive some direct light during the day. Shade gardens can be classified as shade, part shade or deep shade based on the amount of direct sunlight they receive.

What are the challenges with growing annuals in the shade?

Often the most prevailing challenge in shade gardens is the competition from trees. The roots of established trees can compete with other plants for moisture and nutrients. In addition, it can be difficult to plant around the tree roots. If digging is too difficult or is causing damage to tree roots, consider growing annuals in a container.

What annuals are good for shade?

A shade garden receives one to three hours of sunlight a day, ideally in the morning or as dappled light throughout the day. Annuals that can be successfully grown in shady areas include wax begonia, impatiens, coleus, wishbone flower, Browallia or silver bells, polka dot plant, caladium, tuberous begonia and pansy.

What annuals are good for part-shade locations?

Part shade locations receive three to six hours of direct sunlight a day. Annuals well-suited for part shade locations include, New Guinea impatiens, angel wing begonia, nasturtium, flowering tobacco, cupflower, rose balsam, bachelor button, pinks, bells of Ireland, bacopa, forget-me-not, baby blue eyes, perilla, heliotrope, Persian shield, Swan River daisy, fuschia and elephant ear.

What can I grow in garden areas with deep shade?

Deep shade areas received no direct sunlight and many shade-loving annuals may not thrive in these very low light locations. These areas are usually created by buildings, walls or fences and further shaded by nearby shrubs and trees. If possible, limb up trees or shrubs to allow more light into the area. Despite these very difficult growing conditions, a few annuals can be potentially good, colorful additions to deep shade. Impatiens, caladium, tuberous begonia and most tropical houseplants can be good options for deep shade.

Can I use houseplants in my shade garden?

Yes! Most tropical plants grown as houseplants are native to the shady understory of tropical forests. Houseplants that are good to grow as annuals in the shade garden include, Boston fern, pothos, rex begonia, philodendron, Swiss cheese plant, cast iron plant, dumbcane, peperomia, arrowhead vine, inch plant, maiden hair fern, holly fern, spider plant, Swedish ivy, aluminum plant and snake plant.