In Search of Flowers that will Grow in Shade

I am at that point of the New Year where I search out flowers that can grow in shade in the summer.

My balcony is mostly shade for the whole day. Perhaps an hour or two of sun in late afternoon, which is not much

Brent and Becky’s Bulb Growers offfers one combination I like.

They call it ‘Summer Fun.’

It is a combination of both Caladium and Oxalis. The two together make a stunning show in a container (below]:

Shade Loving Plants

The combination from Brent and Becky’s does well in shade. I know from experience since if have planted them for the last three summers. Love them!

Advice on Plants from James Vick

Of course Rochester, NY seed company owner James Vick (1818-1882) had much to say about plant choices for shade.

In 1878 he wrote in his mothly publication of Vick’s Illustrated Magazine:

“Few plants will bear intense shade.

“All the Ferns prefer shade.

“Many of the house plants, like the Fuchsia, Geraniums, etc. do admirably in the open ground if shaded from the mid-day sun.”

He included a drawing of the popular shade-loving Caladium: