25 Annuals for Shade That Bloom All Summer

Here is a list of 25 Annuals for Shade that bloom all summer. What could be better then great flowers that last a long time and do well in shade?! Great for containers that live on a covered patio, they are your own shade garden ready to go.

Annuals for Shade That Bloom All Summer

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are a popular flower for gardens. They come in bright colors and can handle many different conditions. They grow in sun or shade, so they are good for small yards. Impatiens also come in lots of colors, so there are lots of ways to be creative. They are hardy and can survive cold weather or drought. Plus, they repel pests that could harm other plants. And they are easy to care for – they don’t need to be watered every day and only need basic pruning. Impatiens are great for any garden, so why not give them a try!

Begonia

(Begonia semperflorens) is a versatile annual prized for its beautiful and continuous blooms. With its vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, Begonia adds a splash of color and elegance to shaded gardens, containers, and hanging baskets. Its compact growth habit and ability to thrive in shade make it a popular choice for adding beauty and charm to any outdoor or indoor space.

Torenia (Torenia fournieri)

Torenia (Torenia fournieri) is a great way to add color and beauty to any garden, with its tropical blooms coming in yellow, white, blue, purple, and pink. It is perfect for inexperienced gardeners due to its low-maintenance and pest-resistance, as well as its drought-tolerance and ability to stay colorful even in hot summer temperatures. Overall, Torenia is an easy and reliable choice that enlivens any garden with vibrant colors and texture.

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is a popular shade-loving annual known for its vibrant and showy flowers. Unlike traditional impatiens, New Guinea impatiens can tolerate more sun exposure, making them versatile for various garden settings. With their large, colorful blooms and attractive foliage, they add a splash of tropical beauty to shaded areas and can bloom consistently throughout the summer season.

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) Coleus is a fun, annual plant that adds lots of color to shaded garden areas. Its leaves come in pretty shades of green, red, pink, purple and yellow. Even though some varieties of Coleus have small flowers, they are often removed to focus energy into the foliage. This makes it an awesome way to bring bright colors to gardens in the sunny season!

Browallia (Browallia speciosa)

Browallia (Browallia speciosa), commonly known as bush violet, is a charming annual flower that flourishes in shaded areas. With its delicate, bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white, Browallia adds a touch of elegance to any garden. It boasts a long blooming period throughout the summer, making it a reliable choice for bringing vibrant color to shady spots.

Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)

Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a versatile annual that thrives in shade. With its compact growth and small, delicate flowers in shades of blue, white, and pink, Lobelia adds a touch of beauty and charm to any shaded garden, blooming consistently throughout the summer.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.) is an elegant and versatile annual that thrives in partial shade. Known for its pendulous flowers in vibrant hues of red, purple, pink, and white, Fuchsia adds a stunning touch to any shaded garden. With proper care, Fuchsias can bloom continuously throughout the summer, attracting pollinators and adding a graceful presence to outdoor spaces.

Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis jalapa)

Wishbone Bush (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as four o’clocks, is a heat-tolerant annual that thrives in shade and blooms consistently throughout the summer. With its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors, including pink, white, red, and yellow, it adds beauty and charm to shaded areas, attracting pollinators and providing a delightful sensory experience.

Caladium (Caladium bicolor)

Caladium (Caladium bicolor) is a popular annual known for its striking and colorful foliage. With its large, heart-shaped leaves in vibrant shades of green, pink, red, and white, Caladium brings a tropical touch to shaded gardens and containers, adding visual interest and beauty to any space.

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a delightful annual with eye-catching foliage. Its leaves feature vibrant patterns of pink, white, and green dots, adding a playful and unique touch to shaded areas. With its compact size and colorful foliage, the Polka Dot Plant is a fantastic choice for adding charm and visual appeal to indoor gardens or outdoor shady spots.

Wax Begonia (Begonia cucullata)

Wax Begonias (Begonia cucullata) is a classic and reliable annual that thrives in shade. With its waxy, succulent-like foliage and clusters of delicate flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, Wax Begonia brings color and beauty to gardens, borders, and containers throughout the summer season. Its compact growth habit and ability to withstand varying light conditions make it a popular choice for adding a touch of charm to shaded areas.

Nemesia (Nemesia spp.)

Nemesia (Nemesia spp.) is a delightful annual known for its charming and fragrant flowers. With a wide range of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow, Nemesia adds a pop of beauty and sweet fragrance to shaded gardens and containers. Its compact growth habit and long blooming period make it a popular choice for bringing joy and color to any outdoor space.

Monkey Flower (Mimulus spp.)

Monkey Flower (Mimulus spp.) is a unique annual that thrives in shade and damp conditions. With its distinctive, tubular flowers in vibrant shades of yellow, red, orange, and pink, Monkey Flower adds a playful and cheerful touch to gardens and moist areas. Its ability to attract hummingbirds and its tolerance for shade make it an excellent choice for adding color and whimsy to shaded landscapes.

Nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.)

Nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.) is a versatile annual known for its fragrant and trumpet-shaped flowers. With a range of colors available, including white, pink, and deep red, Nicotiana adds beauty and a lovely scent to gardens and containers. Its tolerance for shade makes it an ideal choice for bringing elegance and charm to shaded areas, while attracting pollinators like moths and hummingbirds.

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii)

Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) is a delicate annual flower with charming sky-blue blossoms. Its dainty, five-petaled flowers and fern-like foliage create an enchanting display in shaded gardens. Perfect for borders or as a ground cover, Baby Blue Eyes adds a touch of serenity and beauty to any outdoor space.

Pansy (Viola spp.)

Pansy (Viola spp.) is a popular annual known for its vibrant, “smiling face” flowers in a wide range of colors. With its cheerful blooms and ability to tolerate shade, Pansies bring joy and color to gardens, containers, and flower beds, adding a delightful touch to any outdoor space.

Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Potato Vine – Gardeners, delight in the stylish touch of the sweet potato vine! This annual is not the same edible vegetable found on your dining table, but rather an ornamental delight known for its lush chartreuse and burgundy foliage. Growing long and fast, the sweet potato vine adds a hint of the tropics to hanging baskets and containers, quickly filling them up and completing the look.

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)

Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a fragrant and low-growing annual that thrives in shade. Its clusters of flowers in white, pink, or lavender hues create a carpet-like effect, adding a touch of charm and beauty to gardens, borders, and containers. With its delicate blooms and sweet fragrance, Sweet Alyssum is a delightful choice for bringing a soft and romantic feel to shaded outdoor spaces.

Viola Tricolor (Viola tricolor)

Viola Tricolor (Viola tricolor) also known as Johnny Jump-Up or Heartsease, is a delightful annual with small, multi-colored flowers. Its blooms feature a combination of purple, yellow, and white, creating a charming and whimsical display. With its ability to thrive in shade, Viola Tricolor adds a pop of color and a touch of nostalgia to gardens, containers, and borders, making it a favorite choice for gardeners seeking a playful and enchanting floral addition.

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis spp.)

Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis spp.) is a delicate annual flower that captivates with its clusters of small, sky-blue blossoms. Symbolizing remembrance and enduring love, Forget-Me-Not adds a touch of sentimental beauty to gardens and part shade areas. Its self-seeding nature and charming blooms make it a cherished choice for creating a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere.

Primrose (Primula spp.)

Primrose (Primula spp.) is a graceful annual flower renowned for its vibrant and cheerful blooms. With a wide array of colors, including pink, purple, yellow, and white, Primrose adds a splash of color and charm to shaded gardens. Its early spring flowering, compact growth habit, and beautiful rosette-shaped foliage make it a popular choice for bringing joy and beauty to outdoor spaces.

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is a charming stem known for its delicate, ladder-like arrangement of foliage and beautiful blue or purple flowers. With its graceful appearance and ability to thrive in shade, Jacob’s Ladder adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to gardens and borders. Its resilience and long-lasting blooms make it a favorite choice for creating a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere in outdoor spaces.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a fragrant and colorful perennial known for its clusters of vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. With its charming cottage-garden appeal, Sweet William adds a touch of old-fashioned beauty to gardens and borders. Its sweet fragrance and long-lasting blooms make it a delightful choice for adding color and charm to any outdoor space.

English Daisy (Bellis perennis)

English Daisy (Bellis perennis) is a charming perennial flower with its iconic white and pink petals surrounding a yellow center. With its low-growing habit and ability to tolerate shade, English Daisy adds a pop of color and cheerfulness to gardens and borders. Its delicate blooms and compact size make it a versatile and beloved choice for adding a touch of classic beauty to outdoor spaces.

Great Garden Path Ideas

After you have picked out the flowers you want in your garden, then its time to start thinking about pathways. Checkout these great garden path ideas here.

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