Shade gardens are some of the most beautiful and rewarding gardens you can create. No one can resist the cool welcome that dappled areas of landscaping provide in the heat of summer. Bright flowers in the sunny parts of the garden are wonderful, but when the temperature rises and our eyes need a break from the sun, we head to the shade garden! However, many of us only have shade thanks to covered porches or covered entryways. In these places, visitors can experience the same cool, lush feeling as they would outside in the landscape, but that feeling hits home when they enter our homes with shaded plants. Taking some of the best aspects of an underground shade garden and displaying them in pots is an opportunity to highlight some of the stars that don’t always get the attention they deserve. The following suggestions will last in pots for years in the PNW and can be replanted in the ground when you’re ready for a change.
Shangri-La™ begonia is the star of the container garden
(Cyclamen circumlobata ‘MonShayne’, Zones 8–11)
A low Shangri-La™ Begonia sets the rest of this winter potted collection apart with its frost-covered leaves. This variety emerges from dormancy in late spring and continues to look beautiful until frost hits. Adaptable to full or partial shade, it can also be grown in mixed pots. Its upright, matte, dark red stems support dark olive-green foliage with red undersides. The palmate, deeply lobed, serrated leaves with silvery-white flecks add bold texture to any pot or as a single specimen. It grows in width until the pot stops, reaching only 6 to 10 inches in height.
Bigleaf hydrangeas grow well in containers in shady locations.
(Hydrangea macrophylla and cvs. 6–9)
Hydrangeas tend to create quite a bit of drama in a single pot. Simple large-leaf varieties from a major retailer are inexpensive and extremely easy to grow into a colourful pot. Many varieties are forced into bloom by nurseries to boost sales in April, but even then the large flowers will last for months, changing from bright colours to pale pinks or pale greens. Under cover they are also protected from any risk of late frosts in subsequent years. This photo was taken in July and they still look great with limited watering and plenty of shade. Most large-leaf varieties can be kept in containers over the winter (but protected from frost) or grown in a shady garden when they are dormant.
Korean Fringed Fern is a lush green addition to shade containers
(Polyblepharum fernArea 5–9)
Ferns, with their complex, shiny leaves, are also a must-have in shade containers. They should be used to create an interesting green background for colorful annuals to follow. The Korean Fringing Fern grows well in full or partial shade. Its upright form remains attractive throughout the winter. You can expect it to live happily in its container for at least 2 years, after which it can be transplanted into a shady part of your garden.
Epimediums are charming stars for shady potted garden plantings.
(Epimedium spp. and cvs., Regions 4–9)
Light, airy plants like epimedium add movement and interest to a pot. These perennials bloom in early spring with flowers held above the leaves on long stalks. Flowers can come in a variety of colors, but in a pot, foliage is just as important. Epimediums are evergreen and can have colored or variegated foliage. This foliage is what adds interest to the pot after the flowers have finished blooming.
I particularly like the ‘Spine Tingler’ variety (E. ‘Spine Tingler’, Zones 5–8, later potted) with pale yellow flowers that appear to float in the air. Farge’s Epimedium (E. fargesiiZones 5–9, pre-potted) is another favorite for growing in containers, with new leaves that are bronze in color with beautiful spiny edges. Its drooping purple flowers look delicate, but the tough leaves tell a different story. All epimediums grow best in full shade, although they will tolerate some sun.
Shade containers with perennials at the base are easy! Requiring less water, fertilizer, and pruning than sun containers, they have more time to enjoy the warm weather. Plants can be replaced seasonally with things from the garden, saving you even more money.
To discuss these plants or ask other gardening questions, chat with the author on the Gardening Answers forum.
To read more about gardening in the Pacific Northwest, go here.
Learn more about designing planters for shade:
Unusual containers for shade
How to Get Long Lasting Performance from Your Shade Containers
Designing durable containers
—Susan Calhoun is the owner of Plantswoman Design on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
All photos: Susan Calhoun
