As a guide, partial shade refers to those areas that are shaded for 4-6 hours per day. Morning sun or east facing locations are typical or dappled light obstructed by trees. Afternoon sun is also considered within the partial shade parameters but because of the intensity of afternoon sun, these areas can become quite hot and may require attention to timely irrigation. Full shade areas receive no direct sun only indirect light. North sides of structures or under fully leafed out trees are examples.
Calico Plant - Alternanthera ficoidea
Height: 6-18 inches.
Width: 6-24 inches.
Bloom: insignificant.
Cultivars: ‘Little Ruby’, ‘Purple Knight’, ‘Party Time’, ‘Red Tread Leaf’.
Notes: Plant valued for colorful, attractive foliage. Flowers are insignificant. Best in partial shade.
Rex Begonia - Begonia rex-cultorum
Height: 12-18 inches.
Width: 12-15 inches.
Bloom: assorted colors throughout the season.
Cultivars: ‘Escargot’, ‘Persian Swirl’, ‘New York’, ‘Lalomie’, ‘Fireworks’.
Notes: Dramatic, large, colorful foliage. Best in shade.
Wax Begonia - Begonia x semperflorens
Height: 6-12 inches.
Width: 6-12 inches.
Bloom: Assorted colors all summer.
Cultivars: ‘Big’ series, ‘Whopper’ series, ‘Bada Bing’ series, ‘Cocktail’ series.
Notes: Outstanding continuous color. Adaptable from sun to shade. Green and red foliage types.
Tuberose Begonia - Begonia tuberhybrida
Height: 6-12 inches.
Width: 6-12 inches.
Bloom: Large, assorted colors.
Cultivars: ‘Non-Stop’ series, ‘Illumination’ series, ‘Million Kisses’ series, ‘Sparks Will Fly’.
Notes: Noteworthy foliage with dramatic flowers. Comes in both upright and cascading types. Best in shade.
Angel Wing Begonia - Begonia coccinea
Height: 12-18 inches.
Width: 12-18 inches.
Bloom: Reds and pinks in clusters.
Cultivars: ‘Dragon Wing’ series, ‘Baby Wing’ series.
Notes: Vigorous plant. Large shiny foliage. Dramatic clusters of flowers. Best in part shade to shade.
Caladium - Caladium bicolor
Height: 12-15 inches.
Width: 12-15 inches.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Cultivars: Fancy Leaf Type: ‘Aaron’, ‘Carolyn Whorton’, ‘Candidum’, ‘Fannie Munson’,
Notes: Colorful foliage. While all caladiums are suggested for and do well in full shade areas the strap-leaf cultivars listed above do very well in full sun locations.
Fuchsia - Fuchsia x hybrid
Height: 18-24 inches.
Width: 12-18 inches.
Bloom: Reds, pinks, lavenders.
Cultivars: ‘Gartenmeister Bonstedt’, ‘Thalia’, ‘Koralle’.
Notes: The cultivars listed are triphylla types that tend to perform much better under Midwestern garden conditions. Best in part shade.
Polka Dot Plant - Hypoestes phyllostachya
Height: 6-12 inches.
Width: 6-12 inches.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Cultivars: ‘Splash’ series, ‘Confetti’ series.
Notes: Colorful spotted foliage in pinks and whites. Best in part shade.
Bloodleaf - Iresine herbstii
Height: 10-15 inches.
Width: 10-15 inches.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Cultivars: ‘Blazin Lime’, ‘Blazin Rose’, ‘Purple Lady’ (trailing).
Notes: Multicolored shiny foliage in shades of cream and red or lime and cream. Best in part shade to shade.
Lobelia - Lobelia erinus
Height: 6-12 inches.
Width: 6-12 inches.
Bloom: White, blue, lavender.
Cultivars: ‘Techno Heat’ Dark Blue, ‘Hot Springs’ series, ‘Riviera’ series, ‘Cascade’ series.
Notes: Fine textured foliage and flowers. Best in part shade.
Sweet Alyssum - Lobularia maritima
Height: 6-8 inches.
Width: 8-12 inches.
Bloom: White, pink, purple.
Cultivars: ‘Giga White’, ‘Easter Bonnet’, ‘Snow Crystals’, ‘Snow Princess’.
Notes: Continuous bloom with newer cultivars holding up well to summer heat. Tolerant of cool temperatures. Best in full sun to part shade.
Salvia - Salvia splendens
Height: 18-24 inches.
Width: 12-18 inches.
Bloom: Red, white, purple.
Cultivars: ‘Red Hot Sally’, ‘vista’ series, ‘Salsa’ series’ ‘Lighthouse’ series.
Notes: Spike-like flowers, clean looking foliage. Best in sun to part shade.
Wishbone Flower - Torenia fournieri
Height: 6-12 inches.
Width: 12-18 inches.
Bloom: Blue, pink, red, white.
Cultivars: ‘Summer Wave’ series, ‘The Clown; series, ‘Kauai’ series.
Notes: Snapdragon-like flowers on compact bushy plants. Best in part shade to shade.
New Guinea Impatiens - Impatiens hawkeri
Height: 12-24 inches.
Width: 2-3 feet.
Bloom: Assorted colors.
Cultivars: ‘Sunpatiens’ series, ‘Celebration’ series, ‘Celebrette’ series.
Notes: Very large flowers on vigorous plants. Good alternative to standard bedding impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) . Best in part shade to shade.
Browallia - Browallia speciosa
Height: 10-14 inches.
Width: 6-12 inches.
Bloom: Soft blue.
Cultivars: ‘Endless Illumination’, ‘Bells’ series.
Notes: Older reliable annual for abundant flowering. Best in part shade.
Coleus - Plectranthus scutellarioides
Height: 12- 36 inches.
Width: 18-24 inches.
Bloom: Insignificant.
Cultivars: ‘Kong’ series, ‘Wizard’ series, ‘Versa’ series.
Notes: Excellent foliage plant for shade offering numerous color and textural combinations. Cultivars listed are best for shade but there are numerous cultivars that are outstanding for full sun sites.
