Do you have shady spots in your garden that seem impossible to beautify? Don’t worry – there’s a whole world of stunning plants that thrive in indirect sunlight!
I’ve discovered some amazing options that can transform those dim corners into lush, vibrant retreats.
From colorful flowers to striking foliage, these shade-loving plants will breathe new life into your containers and garden beds.
Let’s explore 19 beautiful plants that will make your shaded outdoor spaces truly shine!
Benefits of Container and Shade Gardening
Container and shade gardening offer so many advantages for us plant lovers. I’ve found that these gardening methods provide:
- Versatility in plant placement
- The ability to create lush outdoor spaces in areas with limited direct sunlight
- Low maintenance options for busy gardeners like myself
19 Best Outdoor Indirect Sunlight Plants for Containers & Shade Gardens
1. Begonia
Begonias have become my go-to plants for shady spots. They’re grown mainly for their unique, striking foliage and produce frilly, enlarged flowers for months. I love how they thrive in indirect sunlight, adding a pop of color to my porch.
2. Persian Shield
When I’m looking for an attractive foliage plant that loves shade, I always turn to Persian Shield. Its silver and purple hues never fail to catch the eye of visitors to my garden.
3. Coleus
Coleus is a favorite of mine, known for its multiple layers of shades. It produces spikes of lavender and blue flowers that add a lovely contrast to its colorful leaves. I’ve found it prefers partial shade from bright sunlight and is surprisingly heat tolerant.
4. Caladium
Caladiums are charming plants with stunning leaves that are perfect for those shadowy corners in my garden. Just remember, they’re toxic, so I always keep them out of reach of my kids and pets.
5. Fuchsia
Available in various shapes and sizes, fuchsias are a delight in any shady spot. Their double or single bi-colored flowers resemble dangling earrings, adding a whimsical touch to my container gardens.
6. Oxalis
I adore oxalis for its clover-like leaves and delicate flowers in yellow, pink, white, or red. It’s become a staple in my indirect sunlight container arrangements.
7. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny is my go-to spiller for containers. It cascades beautifully over the edges of containers or hanging planters, and I’ve found it gets its best color in bright indirect light.
8. Ivy
Ivy is incredibly versatile for tall or wide containers. I love pairing it with colored foliage plants for a striking contrast in my shaded areas.
9. Elephant Ear Plant
With its large, heart-shaped leaves on flat stocks, the elephant ear plant makes a bold statement in my garden. I grow it in big-sized containers in my partially shaded patio area.
10. Impatiens
Impatiens are a common succulent in my garden, with dark green leaves and stems contrasting beautifully with vibrant flowers. I’ve found that 3-4 plants thrive wonderfully in a 12-14 inch container.
11. Croton
The vibrant leaf colors of crotons – red, bronze, green, gold, and yellow – never fail to impress. While they thrive in shade, I’ve noticed they get their best color in bright indirect light.
12. Wishbone Flower (Torenia)
This bushy, low-growing annual is a star in my shaded garden beds. Growing 6-12 inches tall, it’s valued for its ability to bloom even in shaded conditions.
13. Chameleon Plant
I love growing chameleon plants in pots with partial indirect sunlight. Their dark green leaves blotched with pink, red, and cream add a unique touch to my container arrangements.
14. Hosta
Hostas are a mainstay in my shade garden, with their large, ribbed leaves clustered at the base. I especially prize them for their heavily fragrant summer flowers.
15. Calla Lily
As a semi-evergreen perennial, calla lilies bring elegance to my shaded areas. Their tubular flowers with pointy tips and finger-like soft centers are simply stunning.
16. Ferns
In my temperate garden, ferns are a must-have. They grow well on rocks and soil, and I love displaying them in hanging baskets for added visual interest.
17. Hukuhura
Hukuhuras have become a recent favorite of mine for their robust, gorgeous foliage. With a wide range of intense colors and low maintenance requirements, they’re perfect for busy gardeners like me.
18. Philodendron
I grow philodendrons outdoors in containers for their gorgeous foliage. The red, coppery, and purple cultivars add a tropical feel to my shaded spaces.
19. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
These tropical Asian perennials have won me over with their colorful or silvery patterns on leathery leaves. They’re incredibly durable and tolerant, perfect for those of us who sometimes forget to water!
Container Gardening Tips for Indirect Sunlight Plants
Choosing the Right Container
When selecting containers for my shade plants, I consider:
- Size considerations for different plant types
- Drainage requirements to prevent root rot
Soil and Fertilizer
For my container shade plants, I use:
- Well-draining soil mixes specifically designed for container gardening
- A regular fertilizing schedule with balanced, water-soluble fertilizers
Watering Techniques
Proper watering is crucial for indirect sunlight plants. I always:
- Water thoroughly but less frequently
- Check soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering
Maintenance and Care
Pruning and Grooming
To keep my shade plants healthy and shapely, I:
- Regularly prune to maintain desired shape and size
- Deadhead flowering plants to encourage continuous blooming
With these tips and plant suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning shade garden or container display.