6 Shade-Loving Annuals to Plant in July, According to Gardening Experts

When peak summer arrives and the sun and heat are especially strong, it’s easy to fall for the misconception that it’s too late to plant full-shade plants. However, some of the best July performers prefer shade, as the warm soil helps transplants establish quickly. If you’re looking to refresh a shaded garden bed or covered patio, our gardening experts recommend growing these shade-loving plants this July.

Meet Our Expert

Related: 15 Fast-Growing Shade Plants That Thrive With Little to No Sun

01 of 06

Impatiens

Credit: Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images

A classic plant choice for summer shade gardens, impatiens (Impatiens) offer a spectrum of colors, including orange, pink, purple, red, and white, says Damon Abdi, assistant professor of landscape horticulture at Louisiana State University. “The five-petal flowers contrast well with the green, serrated leaves, offering both color and texture to beds and container arrangements,” he says.

02 of 06

Wax Begonia

Wax begonia blossoms feature red, white, or pink petals
Credit: Maljalen / iStock / Getty Images

Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) is one of the most reliable shade-loving annuals for summer. “While some shade plants struggle through the hottest weeks of the year, begonias continue blooming steadily and maintain a clean, polished appearance right through frost,” says Tabar Gifford, master gardener and partnership cultivator at American Meadows.

They have glossy green or bronze foliage with clusters of white, pink, or red blooms. “Their neat, compact habit makes them equally effective in containers, borders, and foundation plantings,” Gifford adds.

03 of 06

Coleus

Coleus blumei (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Credit: Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images

Foliage plants are a beautiful addition to any garden design, and coleus (Coleus scutellarioides) is one of the most well-known options for shady areas. “Coleus proves that flowers aren’t the only source of garden color. Its foliage comes in an astonishing range of combinations—burgundy, lime green, copper, chartreuse, deep red, hot pink, and nearly black—often all on the same leaf,” says Gifford.

And when the flower stalks do emerge above the foliage, Abdi recommends removing them to redirect energy towards supporting the striking foliage. Gifford adds that occasionally pinching the growing tips will encourage fuller plants and delay flowering.

04 of 06

Caladium

Credit: Orietta Gaspari / Getty Images

Another foliage plant, caladium (Caladium bicolor), produces heart-shaped leaves, often with contrasting pink, purple, green, and white bicolor combinations with visible veining. “The overall plant maintains a height and width of about 2 feet, making this an excellent specimen for some low-lying interest in shade gardens,” says Abdi. “Hardy in tropical conditions, caladiums are generally best suited as an annual in the landscape or in container arrangements.”

Be mindful of where you place this plant, as many parts are poisonous to humans and pets, Abdi says.

05 of 06

Wishbone Flower

Credit: magicflute002 / Getty Images

Wishbone flower (Torenia) is one of the most underrated shade annuals. “Its trumpet-shaped flowers resemble miniature snapdragons and appear in shades of purple, blue, lavender, and pink, often accented by contrasting throats,” says Gifford. “The compact plants mound beautifully and bloom continuously without deadheading.”

Torenia gets its nickname from two anthers on the stamens that are fused together, resembling a wishbone, Abdi notes. “The unique flowers provide a nice addition in bedding or container arrangements and require minimal maintenance to maintain appearance,” he says.

06 of 06

Flowering Tobacco

Credit: Tom Meaker / GETTY IMAGES

Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata) brings height, fragrance, and color to shady areas of the garden. “Tall stems support clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white, blush pink, rose, and soft red, while large leaves provide a lush, almost tropical texture,” says Gifford. “The flowers become especially fragrant in the evening.”

This plant thrives in warm soil and quickly establishes following midsummer planting. “By late summer, when outdoor dinners and evenings on the patio become the highlight of the season, its sweet fragrance is at its strongest,” says Gifford. “Few annuals contribute as much atmosphere to a garden.”

Read the original article on Martha Stewart