12 of The Best Shade Annuals

Shade annuals are a great way to add color and interest to areas of your garden that receive limited sunlight.

Here are 12 of the best shade annuals (#ad) that you can consider for your garden:

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana): Impatiens are one of the most popular choices for shady areas. They come in a variety of colors and are known for their ability to thrive in low light conditions.

Begonias (Begonia spp.): Begonias are another classic shade annual, and they offer a wide range of leaf and flower variations. Wax begonias and tuberous begonias are common choices.

Torenia (Torenia fournieri): Also known as the wishbone flower, torenia produces trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, blue, and pink, making it a great choice for shady spots.

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides): Coleus plants are prized for their vibrant and colorful foliage. They come in a variety of leaf shapes and color combinations.

Browallia (Browallia spp.): Browallia, or amethyst flower, produces delicate, star-shaped blue or white flowers and can thrive in partial to full shade.

Caladium (Caladium spp.): Caladiums are grown for their striking and colorful heart-shaped leaves. They do well in the shade and can add a tropical touch to your garden.

Lobelia (Lobelia spp.): Lobelia plants are known for their small, intense blue or purple flowers and are great for adding a pop of color to shaded areas.

Nicotiana (Nicotiana spp.): Nicotiana, or flowering tobacco, features fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in the evening, adding fragrance and beauty to your garden.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.): Fuchsia plants are known for their pendulous, tubular flowers, which come in a range of colors. They do well in partial shade and add an elegant touch to your garden.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Sweet woodruff is an herbaceous perennial that's often used as an annual ground cover in shady areas. It produces small, fragrant white flowers.

Viola (Viola spp.): Violas, including pansies and violets, come in various colors and are suitable for shaded locations. They provide a burst of color and can be grown as both annuals and perennials.

Hosta (Hosta spp.): While not technically an annual, hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their attractive foliage. They come in various sizes and leaf patterns and are often used to create lush, low-light gardens.

These shade annuals offer a range of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your garden's needs. Be sure to consider your specific growing conditions and preferences when choosing the best shade annuals (#ad) for your garden.

Eight Common Varieties of Impatients

Impatiens New Guinea

Impatiens x hawkeri

Here in south central Texas I have not been able to keep more than two years.

Impatiens is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Balsaminaceae. Known for their vibrant colors and easy cultivation, Impatiens are a popular choice among gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts. With a wide range of varieties available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your garden. In this article, we will discuss the ten most common varieties of Impatiens, highlighting their unique features and growing requirements.

1. Impatiens walleriana:

Impatiens walleriana, commonly known as busy lizzie, is one of the most widely grown varieties. It boasts a wide color palette, including shades of pink, red, purple, and white. This variety thrives in shady areas and requires well-drained soil. Busy lizzies are known for their ability to bloom continuously throughout the summer.

2. Impatiens hawkeri:

Also known as New Guinea impatiens, this variety is prized for its large, showy flowers and variegated foliage. With colors ranging from deep red to vibrant orange and pink, these impatiens can add a splash of tropical beauty to any garden. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

3. Impatiens balsamina:

Impatiens balsamina, commonly called balsam impatiens, is an annual variety known for its stunning double flowers. These flowers come in a wide array of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. Balsam impatiens prefer full sun to partial shade and thrive in fertile, well-drained soil.

4. Impatiens capensis:

Also known as jewelweed or touch-me-not, Impatiens capensis is a native North American species. This variety is characterized by its orange or yellow flowers with reddish-brown spots. Jewelweed thrives in moist, shady areas and is often found near water bodies. It is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional herbal remedies.

5. Impatiens niamniamensis:

Known as the parrot flower, Impatiens niamniamensis stands out with its unique, exotic appearance. The flowers of this variety resemble a parrot's beak, hence the name. Parrot flowers come in shades of red, yellow, and orange. They require partial shade and well-drained soil to thrive.

6. Impatiens sodenii:

Impatiens sodenii, commonly known as the Madagascar or African violet impatiens, is a compact variety with vibrant flowers. The petals of this impatiens can range from white to pink, purple, or red. African violet impatiens prefer bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.

7. Impatiens bicaudata:

Native to the Himalayas, Impatiens bicaudata is an alpine species that thrives in cool, moist conditions. This variety features delicate white or pink

8. Impatiens auricoma

1. Description: Impatiens auricoma is a species that is rare and stands out due to its striking shape. Impatiens auricoma is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is endemic to the Comoro Islands. Cultivars are available for use as ornamental plants.
2. Characteristics: Impatiens perform best in moist, well-drained soils in partial shade. Sites that receive 2 to 4 hours of filtered sun during the day or morning sun and afternoon shade are usually ideal. Impatiens can also be grown in heavy shade.
3. Care Tips: Keep in partial shade and humusy, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered location.