Best Plants For Planter Boxes In Shade: Shady Companions (2024) 2

As a gardener, I understand the challenge of finding the best plants for planter boxes in shady areas. Many people believe that shade limits their options to just a few common plants like hostas and ferns. However, I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of beautiful shade-loving plants that thrive in planter boxes.

Whether you have shaded patio planter boxes, a shady balcony, or are looking to add greenery to urban spaces, there is a wide range of options available to you. From colorful foliage plants to showy flowers, these plants will add life and vibrancy to your shaded planter boxes. Let’s explore some of the top choices:

Key Takeaways:

• There are many shade-loving plants that thrive in planter boxes, offering a variety of colors, textures, and heights.
• Top choices for shaded planter boxes include Heuchera (Coral Bells), Astilbe, Black Bugbane, Hellebores, Bleeding Heart, Hakonechloa & Carex grasses, Thalictrum, Ferns, Solomon’s Seal, and Dianthus.
• These plants are perfect companions for shady planter boxes, adding visual interest and beauty to your outdoor space.
• Consider the specific needs of each plant, such as soil type and light requirements, to ensure they thrive in your planter boxes.
• Experiment with different combinations of plants to create a visually stunning arrangement that suits your personal style.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

When it comes to foliage plants for shade, Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a standout choice. These plants offer a burst of color with their vibrant leaves, making them a visually appealing addition to shaded planter boxes. With varieties like ‘Ginger Ale’, ‘Black Beauty’, ‘Midnight Rose’, and ‘Peach Flambe’, there is a wide range of colors to choose from without relying on flowers for visual interest.

Growing Heuchera is relatively easy, making it a popular choice for gardeners. These plants thrive in rich soil and benefit from mulching to retain moisture. With proper care and maintenance, Heuchera can provide a stunning display of colorful foliage throughout the growing season.

Variety	Leaf Color	Height
‘Ginger Ale’	Amber	8-10 inches
‘Black Beauty’	Black-red	18-20 inches
‘Midnight Rose’	Green with red splotches	8-10 inches
‘Peach Flambe’	Peachy-orange	8-10 inches

With its colorful leaves and easy care requirements, Heuchera is a fantastic choice for adding visual interest to shaded planter boxes. Whether you’re looking to create a monochromatic display or mix and match different leaf colors, Heuchera is sure to impress.

Astilbe

Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that adds beauty and elegance to shaded planter boxes. Known for its showy flowers and attractive foliage, Astilbe is a top choice for those looking to create a visually appealing display in shaded containers. With a wide variety of colors and heights available, Astilbe offers a range of options to suit different preferences and styles.

The flowers of Astilbe come in shades of pink, white, purple, and red, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. The flowers are arranged in clusters and can last for weeks, providing long-lasting color and interest. The lush, fern-like foliage of Astilbe adds texture and depth to the arrangement, making it a visually appealing choice for shaded planter boxes.

As a perennial plant, Astilbe is a great investment for those looking for long-term beauty in their containers. It is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will help ensure the health and vitality of Astilbe in planter boxes.

Table: Varieties of Astilbe

Variety	Height	Color
Astilbe ‘Fanal’	12-18 inches	Red
Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’	20-26 inches	White
Astilbe ‘Rheinland’	18-24 inches	Pink
Astilbe ‘Pumila’	8-12 inches	Red

Astilbe is a stunning choice for shaded planter boxes, offering beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. It adds color, texture, and interest to any shady garden or container arrangement. With a wide range of varieties available, there is an Astilbe perfect for every taste and style.

When designing a shaded planter box, consider incorporating Astilbe for its showy flowers, perennial nature, and ability to thrive in shade. Its vibrant blooms and lush foliage will create a visually stunning display that is sure to impress.

Black Bugbane (Black Cohosh)

Black Bugbane, also known as Black Cohosh, is a stunning plant that adds a touch of drama to shaded planter boxes. It features dark-purple foliage that retains its color all season, creating a striking visual contrast in the shade. In late summer, tall furry white flowers grow above the foliage, providing an architectural style to the arrangement. Black Bugbane can be used strategically in planter boxes to create “shadows” between other plants, adding dimension and depth to the overall design.

This plant’s dark-purple foliage brings a unique element to shaded planter boxes. The rich color stands out against the greens and adds visual interest. The architectural style of the tall white flowers complements the surrounding plants and creates a focal point in the arrangement. Whether used as a standalone plant or incorporated with other shade-loving varieties, Black Bugbane adds depth and texture to the overall composition.

When selecting plants for shaded planter boxes, Black Bugbane is an ideal choice for those who want to create a visually impressive display. Its dark foliage and architectural flowers make it a standout plant in any arrangement. Whether used as a statement piece or as a supporting player, Black Bugbane is sure to elevate the overall look of shaded planter boxes.

Black Bugbane Varieties

Variety	Height	Foliage Color	Flower Color
Actaea racemosa	4-6 feet	Dark purple	White
Actaea simplex	3-5 feet	Dark purple	White
Actaea pachypoda	1-2 feet	Dark purple	White

“Black Bugbane’s dark-purple foliage adds depth and drama to shaded planter boxes, making it a standout choice for creating visually impressive displays.”

Hellebores

When it comes to winter-blooming flowers for shaded planter boxes, hellebores are a top choice. These hardy perennials bring a touch of color and beauty to the winter garden, making them a popular option for gardeners who want to enjoy blooms even in the colder months.

While hellebores are known for their long-lasting flowers, it’s important to clean up old blooms to keep the plant looking its best. As the flowers age, they may start to brown and tatter, detracting from the overall appearance. To maintain a tidy and attractive display, simply remove these faded flowers along with any old leaves.

Pruning hellebores after the Fourth of July is recommended to make room for later flowering plants in the planter box. This practice allows for a continuous cycle of color throughout the year, ensuring that your shaded planter box remains visually appealing and vibrant.

Hellebores Care Tips

• Choose a well-draining soil mix for your hellebores.
• Ensure that the planter box has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Water hellebores regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.
• Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• Protect hellebores from harsh winter winds to prevent damage.
• Consider mulching around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With their winter blooms and ability to thrive in shaded conditions, hellebores are an excellent choice for adding beauty and interest to your planter boxes.

Bleeding Heart

The Bleeding Heart plant, also known as Dicentra spectabilis, is a beloved addition to shaded planter boxes. Its unique flowers, which resemble arching sprays of tiny pink hearts, add a touch of romance and charm to any garden. The Bleeding Heart plant is particularly stunning when combined with other flowering plants in planter boxes, creating visually appealing and vibrant arrangements.

One interesting aspect of the Bleeding Heart plant is its dormancy in early summer. After the flowers have finished blooming, the foliage goes dormant, making room for other plants to take center stage. When strategically placed alongside plants like Black Bugbane and Thalictrum, the dormant foliage of the Bleeding Heart provides an attractive backdrop, allowing the other plants to shine.

Adding Bleeding Heart to shaded planter boxes not only enhances the aesthetics but also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. These delicate creatures are drawn to the nectar-filled flowers of the Bleeding Heart, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. With its arching sprays of tiny pink hearts and ability to harmonize with other flowering plants, the Bleeding Heart plant is a must-have for shaded planter boxes.

Benefits of Planting Bleeding Heart in Shaded Planter Boxes

There are several benefits to including Bleeding Heart plants in shaded planter boxes. Here are some key advantages:

• Unique Beauty: The arching sprays of tiny pink hearts make the Bleeding Heart plant a visually stunning addition to any garden.
• Dormancy: The dormancy of Bleeding Heart foliage in early summer allows for the inclusion of other flowering plants, creating a dynamic display throughout the seasons.
• Pollinator Attraction: The nectar-filled flowers of the Bleeding Heart plant attract bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
• Combining with Other Plants: Bleeding Heart plants can be combined with other flowering plants like Black Bugbane and Thalictrum to create visually striking and harmonious arrangements in shaded planter boxes.

Summary:

Bleeding Heart plants are a beautiful choice for shaded planter boxes, offering arching sprays of tiny pink hearts that add a touch of romance to any garden. These plants go dormant in early summer, allowing other plants to take center stage. Bleeding Heart plants also attract pollinators and can be combined with other flowering plants to create visually stunning displays. Including Bleeding Heart in shaded planter boxes is a surefire way to enhance the aesthetics and biodiversity of your garden.

Hakonechloa & Carex Grasses

When it comes to adding texture and visual interest to shaded planter boxes, Hakonechloa and Carex grasses are the perfect choices. These colorful grasses not only provide a different texture in the shade garden but also add a unique touch to any container arrangement.

Hakonechloa, also known as Japanese forest grass, is highly valued for its vibrant foliage and graceful growth habit. With its arching leaves and cascading form, Hakonechloa creates a bright spot in shady or woodland gardens. The foliage comes in various shades of green, gold, or variegated combinations, adding a burst of color to your planter boxes.

Carex grasses, on the other hand, offer a wide range of options to suit your container gardening needs. With their tidy growth habit and attractive foliage, Carex grasses can provide a contrasting element to broad-leaved plants in the shade. They come in various colors, from golden yellow to deep green, allowing you to create visually stunning combinations in your shaded planter boxes.

Grass Variety	Key Features
Hakonechloa	– Arching leaves and cascading form – Vibrant foliage in shades of green, gold, and variegated combinations
Carex	– Tidy growth habit – Attractive foliage in various colors, such as golden yellow and deep green

With Hakonechloa and Carex grasses, you can add a touch of color and texture to your shaded planter boxes. Whether you’re looking to create a woodland-inspired arrangement or simply want to break up the visual monotony of broad-leaved plants, these grasses provide the perfect solution.

Creating a Balanced Composition

When incorporating Hakonechloa and Carex grasses into your planter boxes, it’s important to consider their growth habits and characteristics. To create a visually appealing composition, follow these guidelines:

• Place taller grasses, such as Hakonechloa, towards the back or center of the planter box to add height and drama.
• Use Carex grasses as a filler or border plant, placing them around the edges of the container to create a sense of fullness and balance.
• Combine different varieties of grasses to add variation in height, color, and texture, creating an interesting and dynamic display.

By incorporating Hakonechloa and Carex grasses into your shaded planter boxes, you can create a visually stunning arrangement that adds depth, texture, and color to your outdoor space. These grasses offer a unique and refreshing alternative to broad-leaved plants, providing a different visual element in the shade garden.

So, if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and a different texture to your shaded planter boxes, consider incorporating Hakonechloa and Carex grasses. These colorful grasses will not only enhance the overall aesthetic but also bring your container garden to life.

Thalictrum (Meadow Rue)

Thalictrum, also known as Meadow Rue, is a fantastic plant to add floral interest to your shade garden. With its tall stalks and fluffy pink blooms, Thalictrum creates a visually stunning display in shaded planter boxes. The flowers last for weeks, providing a pop of color and texture. Furthermore, Thalictrum can be strategically placed next to other plants to cover dying leaves, creating a seamless and visually appealing combination.

One of the advantages of Thalictrum is its height. Varieties like ‘Black Stockings’ can grow up to 5-6 feet, making them ideal for adding vertical interest to shaded containers. Thalictrum’s architectural form adds dimension to the overall arrangement, creating a visually engaging focal point. Additionally, its elegant foliage complements other shade-loving plants, enhancing the overall beauty of the planter box.

“Thalictrum’s fluffy pink blooms and height make it a fantastic choice for shaded planter boxes. It adds a touch of elegance and architectural interest to any garden.” – Garden Enthusiast Magazine

Another benefit of Thalictrum is its ability to cover dying leaves of other plants. By strategically positioning Thalictrum in your planter box, you can create a seamless transition from one plant to another, effectively hiding any unsightly foliage. This not only improves the overall aesthetics but also helps maintain a clean and well-maintained appearance.

Variety	Height	Bloom Color
‘Black Stockings’	5-6 feet	Pink

Thalictrum, with its beautiful blooms and ability to cover dying leaves, is an excellent addition to any shaded planter box. Its height and architectural form make it a standout plant, creating a visually appealing focal point. By strategically placing Thalictrum next to other shade-loving plants, you can create an elegant and seamless combination that will enhance the overall beauty of your garden.

Ferns

Ferns are a versatile and popular choice for shaded planter boxes, as they bring a lush and green appeal to any garden. With their delicate fronds and graceful foliage, ferns create a serene and natural atmosphere. Three excellent varieties of ferns that thrive in shaded environments are Dre’s Dagger, Silver Falls, and Ostrich ferns.

Dre’s Dagger ferns are known for their distinctive triangular-shaped fronds, which resemble a dagger. They add a unique and dramatic touch to any shaded planter box. Silver Falls ferns, on the other hand, have cascading fronds that create a cascading effect, providing a visual element of movement and texture. Lastly, Ostrich ferns are known for their large, feathery fronds that can reach impressive heights, creating a bold statement in any shaded garden.

When designing a shaded planter box with ferns, consider creating a fern dell. A fern dell is a designated area within the planter box that is filled with various fern varieties, creating a tranquil and enchanting spot. To create a visually engaging fern dell, mix and match different fern varieties, incorporating contrasting colors, textures, and heights. This will add depth and dimension to your shaded planter box, resulting in a captivating and harmonious display.

Ferns: A Delicate and Timeless Beauty

“Ferns bring a sense of serenity and beauty to shaded planter boxes, making them a popular choice among gardeners. With their delicate fronds and lush foliage, ferns create a peaceful oasis in any garden.” – Expert Gardener

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, ferns are relatively low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. They thrive in the cool, shaded environment of planter boxes and require regular watering to keep the soil moist. However, it’s important not to overwater ferns, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Overall, ferns are a timeless and elegant choice for shaded planter boxes. Their delicate fronds, lush foliage, and enchanting beauty make them a must-have addition to any shaded garden. Whether you choose Dre’s Dagger, Silver Falls, or Ostrich ferns, incorporating ferns into your planter boxes will create a soothing and visually captivating outdoor sanctuary.

Fern Variety	Description
Dre’s Dagger	Distinctive triangular-shaped fronds
Silver Falls	Cascading fronds creating a cascading effect
Ostrich	Large, feathery fronds that can reach impressive heights

Solomon’s Seal: The Graceful Shade-Loving Perennial

If you’re looking for a shade-loving perennial that adds a touch of elegance to your planter boxes, look no further than Solomon’s Seal. With its low, gracefully arching stems and delicate white bell flowers, this plant is a must-have for any shaded container garden.

One of the standout features of Solomon’s Seal is its graceful arching stems, which create a beautiful cascading effect. The stems are adorned with pale green leaves that have a unique white edging, adding a subtle touch of contrast. This makes Solomon’s Seal a visually appealing addition to any shaded planter box arrangement.

In addition to its stunning foliage, Solomon’s Seal produces small white bell flowers that hang from the stems. These delicate flowers add a lovely touch of charm to the overall display. Not only does this plant provide visual interest, but it is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those who have to contend with browsing wildlife.

Table: Comparing Shade-Loving Perennials

Perennial Plant	Height	Flower Type	Deer-Resistant
Solomon’s Seal	Low, gracefully arching stems	White bell flowers	Yes
Astilbe	6 inches to 5 feet	Showy flowers	No
Hellebores	Varies	Winter-blooming flowers	Yes
Bleeding Heart	Varies	Arching sprays of tiny pink hearts	Yes
Ferns	Varies	N/A	Yes
Dianthus	Varies	Look for the flower type	Yes

When it comes to shaded planter boxes, Solomon’s Seal is a top choice for its gracefulness, white bell flowers, and deer-resistant properties. It adds a touch of sophistication to any container garden and complements other shade-loving plants beautifully. So why not add this elegant perennial to your shaded planter boxes and enjoy its beauty for years to come?

Dianthus (Pinks)

Dianthus, also known as Pinks, is a delightful addition to shaded planter boxes, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its nectar-filled flowers. These charming plants offer a wide variety of varieties, each with its unique colors and characteristics. From Sweet William to Cheddar Pinks, Chinese Pinks, Alpine Pinks, and Garden Pinks, there are endless options to choose from.

Dianthus plants add a burst of vibrant color to shaded planter boxes, creating a visually stunning display. With their bright blooms and delicate petals, they create a welcoming environment for pollinators, adding further beauty to your outdoor space.

Whether you’re looking to create a cottage garden atmosphere or add pops of color to your shady balcony or patio, Dianthus is a versatile choice. These plants are also known for their resilience and ability to withstand various weather conditions, making them a reliable and low-maintenance option for planter boxes in shade.

Key Points:

• Dianthus, also known as Pinks, are vibrant, nectar-filled flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• There is a wide variety of Dianthus varieties available, such as Sweet William, Cheddar Pinks, Chinese Pinks, Alpine Pinks, and Garden Pinks.
• Dianthus plants add a burst of vibrant color to shaded planter boxes and are known for their resilience and low-maintenance nature.

Perennial Flowers for Shade

When it comes to creating beautiful and vibrant planter boxes in shady areas, perennial flowers are an excellent choice. These hardy plants are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for shaded gardens, patios, or balconies. In this section, I will introduce you to some popular perennial flowers for shade that will add color, texture, and visual interest to your planter boxes.

Astilbe

Astilbe is a stunning perennial flower that thrives in shaded areas. Known for its feathery plumes of flowers, Astilbe comes in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red. This flower adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any planter box. Planting different varieties of Astilbe can create a visually stunning display, with varying heights and colors that will bloom at different times throughout the season.

Bellflowers

Bellflowers, also known as Campanula, are another great option for shaded planter boxes. These charming flowers come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, and white. They add a delicate and whimsical touch to any arrangement. Bellflowers are low-maintenance and easy to grow, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Bleeding-Heart

The Bleeding-Heart is a classic perennial flower that is well-suited for shaded planter boxes. Its unique heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white add a romantic and enchanting feel to any garden. Bleeding-Heart thrives in moist, shady conditions and is known for its long-lasting blooms. Planting it alongside other shade-loving plants can create a visually stunning combination.

Perennial Flower	Light Requirements	Bloom Color	Height
Astilbe	Shade to Part Shade	Pink, White, Red	1-3 feet
Bellflowers	Shade to Part Shade	Blue, Purple, White	1-3 feet
Bleeding-Heart	Shade to Part Shade	Pink, White	1-3 feet
Ferns	Shade to Part Shade	N/A (Foliage)	Varies
Hosta	Shade to Part Shade	N/A (Foliage)	Varies

Ferns

Ferns are a staple for shaded gardens and planter boxes. With their lush green foliage, ferns add a touch of elegance and texture to any arrangement. There are various types of ferns, each with its own unique shape and size. Whether you choose the delicate Maidenhair fern or the tall Ostrich fern, ferns are sure to bring life and vibrancy to your shaded planter boxes.

Hosta

Hostas are another popular perennial for shaded planter boxes. These plants are known for their bold, textured foliage in various shades of green and blue. Hostas come in a range of sizes, from small and compact varieties to large, leafy specimens. Their foliage adds a dynamic and eye-catching element to any planter box, even without the presence of flowers.

In summary, when it comes to perennial flowers for shade, there are plenty of options to choose from. Astilbe, Bellflowers, Bleeding-Heart, Ferns, Hosta, and many others can thrive in shaded planter boxes, bringing beauty and color to your outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer the delicate blooms of Astilbe or the lush foliage of Ferns, these perennial flowers are sure to create a visually stunning display in your shaded garden.

Conclusion

I hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and ideas for choosing the best plants for planter boxes in shade. While many gardeners believe that only hostas and ferns can thrive in the shade, there are actually numerous options available. From Heuchera and Astilbe to Ferns and Solomon’s Seal, these plants offer a range of colors, textures, and heights, making them perfect companions for your shady planter boxes.

By selecting the right plants, you can create visually stunning arrangements that thrive in the shade. Whether you have shaded patio planter boxes, a shady balcony, or want to add greenery to urban spaces, these plants will add beauty and charm to your surroundings. Remember to provide them with the proper soil and care they need to flourish.

So go ahead and experiment with different combinations of shade-loving plants in your planter boxes. Let your creativity shine as you create a lush and vibrant display that brings life to even the shadiest corners of your outdoor space. Happy gardening!

Source Links

• https://www.almanac.com/best-flowers-window-boxes
• https://www.almanac.com/10-best-shade-plants-garden
• https://harmonyinthegarden.com/2022/07/one-window-box-four-seasons/