When we moved into our new home, the lack of direct sunlight in our backyard had me worried.
But with some research and experimentation, I’ve found 19 stunning plants that actually prefer the shade.
Let me show you how to turn your shady spots into thriving garden spaces!
List of 18 Best Outdoor Indirect Sunlight Plants for Containers
1. Begonia
Begonias hold a special place in my heart. Their unique, striking foliage never fails to catch the eye. I love how they produce frilly, enlarged flowers for months on end. They’ve become my go-to plant for adding a pop of color to shaded corners of my patio.
2. Persian Shield
When I first discovered Persian shield, I was instantly smitten. This attractive foliage plant is a shade lover’s dream. Under the right conditions, it rewards you with stunning silver and purple blooms that can transform any dull space into a vibrant oasis.
3. Coleus
Coleus has been my secret weapon for adding layers of color to shaded areas. With its various shades and spikes of lavender and blue flowers, it’s a true showstopper. I’ve found it thrives in partial shade and is surprisingly heat tolerant – perfect for those hot summer days.
4. Caladium
The stunning leaves of caladiums have saved many a shadowy corner in my garden. Just a word of caution from a worried mom: they’re toxic to pets and children, so I always make sure to place them out of reach.
5. Fuchsia
Fuchsias have become my hanging basket heroes. Their various shapes and sizes, with double or single bi-colored flowers, add a touch of whimsy to any space. On breezy days, I love watching them sway like delicate earrings.
6. Oxalis
Oxalis, with its charming clover-like appearance, has been a delightful addition to my shade garden. The yellow, pink, white, or red flowers never fail to bring a smile to my face.
7. Creeping Jenny
As a container gardening enthusiast, I can’t get enough of creeping Jenny. It’s my go-to spiller, cascading beautifully over the edges of containers and hanging planters. I’ve found it develops its best color in bright indirect light.
8. Ivy
Ivy has been my trusty companion for tall or wide containers. I love pairing it with other colorful foliage plants on this list for a lush, varied display.
9. Elephant Ear Plant
For a touch of the tropics, I turn to elephant ear plants. Their heart-shaped large leaves on flat stocks make a bold statement. I grow them in big containers to give them plenty of room to show off.
10. Impatiens
Impatiens have been my reliable bloomers in shaded spots. Their dark green leaves and stems provide the perfect backdrop for vibrant flowers. I usually plant 3-4 in a 12-14 inch container for a full, lush look.
11. Croton
Crotons have become my go-to for adding a splash of color to shaded areas. Their leaves come in an array of colors – red, bronze, green, gold, and yellow. While they thrive in shade, I’ve noticed they develop their best color in bright indirect light.
12. Wishbone Flower
These bushy, low-growing annuals have been a game-changer in my shade garden. Standing 6-12 inches tall, they’re valued for their ability to bloom even in shaded conditions.
13. Chameleon Plant
I’ve fallen in love with the chameleon plant’s ability to thrive in pots with partial indirect sunlight. Its dark green leaves blotched with pink, red, and cream add a unique touch to any shaded space.
14. Hosta
Hostas have become a staple in my shade garden. Their ribbed large leaves clustered at the base create a lush groundcover. Come summer, I’m always excited for their heavily fragrant flowers.
15. Calla Lily
As a semi-evergreen perennial, calla lilies have added elegance to my shade garden. Their tubular flowers with pointy tips and soft, finger-like centers are simply stunning.
16. Ferns
In my temperate garden, ferns have been a reliable choice for shaded areas. Whether planted in soil or displayed in hanging baskets, they add a touch of lush greenery to any space.
17. Philodendron
I’ve grown quite fond of philodendrons for their gorgeous foliage. With cultivars available in red, coppery, and purple, they’ve allowed me to play with color even in shaded areas.
18. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreens have become my go-to for low-light areas. Their colorful or silvery patterns on leathery leaves add interest, and their durability makes them perfect for busy moms like me.