My Garden Pictures A compilation of plant pictures that I have taken in and around my home in south central Texas or anywhere that I have found a beautiful plant to share with you. Be sure to click on each image to see larger picture.
Common names: Also known as Wishbone Flower, Bluewings, and in Hawaii, Nanioola'a or Ola'a beauty. Family: Linderniaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae) Type: Flowering plant (annual) Size: Grows 6 to 12 inches tall and wide.
Flowers: Trumpet-shaped blooms with five petals, come in various colors like white, pink, lavender, blue, violet, and purple, often with yellow markings in the throat. The center stamen resembles a wishbone, hence the nickname. Bloom time: Early summer to late summer. Light: Prefers partial shade. Water: Needs consistent moisture but well-drained soil. Uses: Popular for borders, edging, and containers. Does well in shady areas. Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance. Pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation: Can be grown from seeds sown indoors or directly outdoors. Interesting fact: Many Torenia hybrids have been developed in recent years, offering a wider variety of colors and growth habits.
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.