Containers offer a quick and easy way to brighten up a shady yard. All you need are the right shade-loving plants to fill your pots. Use these recipes to create the best shade container combinations that have similar moisture and light requirements.
Create Architectural Interest
Use plant forms to create architectural interest when designing your landscape. Here, a full-moon maple makes a wonderful contrast against mounding plants and its square container.
A. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'): 3
B. Full-moon maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'): 1
C. Oxalis 'Zinfandel': 1
D. Foamflower (Tiarella 'Pink Brushes'): 1
Make a Statement the Simple Way
This is a simple yet dramatic pairing for a shady spot—with just two plants (each with two leaf colors). The dark coleus contrasts with the bright caladium that lights up the center of a pot (like this Better Homes & Gardens Terrence 19" Wide Round Resin Planter, $27, Walmart).
A. Caladium 'Gingerland': 1
B. Coleus (Solenostemon 'Inky Fingers'): 1
Look Up
When selecting a container for your potted plants (such as this Better Homes & Gardens Pottery 8" Teramo Ceramic Planter, $12, Walmart), good drainage and the right size for your plant's root system are the two most important considerations, followed by the container material itself. Here, sleek, shiny pots draw your eye up to a bonanza of color and texture.
A. Caladium 'Florida Elise': 2
B. Full-moon maple (Acer shirasawanum 'Aureum'): 1
C. Oxalis 'Zinfandel': 1
D. Foamflower (Tiarella 'Pink Brushes'): 1
Employ Powerful Foliage
Enjoy a beautiful container garden without flowers by choosing plants with dramatic foliage. Plant varieties with textured leaves for added interest.
A. Golden sedge (Carex elata 'Aurea'): 1
B. Geranium (Pelargonium 'Dolly Varden'): 1
C. Elephant ears (Colocasia 'Black Magic'): 1
D. Heavenly bamboo (Nandina 'Sienna Sunrise'): 1
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