I have a second-floor balcony that gets no sun. I want to try a container garden. Do you have any plant suggestions?
There are both annuals and perennials. Consider the following:
- Astilbe: This summer-flowering perennial with plume-like blooms does well in Zones 4–9 and is available in several colors including shades of pink, red, purple and white. Astilbe is easy to grow in average garden soil, requires plenty of moisture and does well in dense shade.
- Bulbs: Daffodils, crocus and grape hyacinths all do well and add spots of purple, yellow and white.
- Caladium: This annual features showy, large heart-shaped leaves in red, pink, green and white. They prefer full shade and grow to a height of approximately 15 inches.
- Foxglove (Digitalis): This plant falls into two groups—both perennial and biennial. Foxgloves have striking bell-shaped flowers on long spikes. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and make excellent cut flowers.
- Hosta: These popular, hardy plants thrive in Zones 3–9 and feature summer-blooming flowers of white or lavender that extend on long stalks from the foliage. Some varieties are surprisingly fragrant and most do well in dense shade.
- Hydrangeas: These are deciduous shrubs that thrive in Zones 5–8 and grow to 3 feet or taller; and have large flower heads that tend toward blue if soil is acidic and pink if soil is alkaline. They are a good choice for dense-shade areas.
- Lobelia: This is hardy in Zones 6–9 and is comprised of a large genus of perennials and annuals in both tall and low-growing forms. These plants need moist soil and light shade.
- Vinca: This shade-loving vine thrives in Zones 4–9, looks attractive in containers, hanging baskets or as a ground cover. Small blue-violet flowers may appear, but the glossy foliage itself is stunning in shaded areas or full sun.