How to Grow Flowers in the Shade
It is a general rule that flowers need direct sunlight at least part of the day to grow and thrive. This poses a problem for gardeners whose yards are shaded by buildings or large trees. However, if you are dedicated to flowers you plant, you can enjoy their splashes of color in the spring and the summer -- even in the shaded areas. Their success depends on the type of flowers you choose and how you care for them. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Select flowers that do well in indirect light such as impatiens, daylilies, hosta and vinca. There is even a class of roses known as hybrid musks that tolerate shade well. The Unversity of Minnesota Extension website lists annuals, bulbs and perennials, among other plants, that will grow in the shade (see Resources).
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Prepare the garden area for plants. Use a tiller and stir up the soil to a depth of several inches. Mixing top soil in with the dirt as you till will increase its nutrient content and help the plants grow.
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Plant flowers in the soil by digging holes by hand or with a small hand trowel. Space the holes depending on the type of flowers you are planting. Some plants grow wider and need a foot or more between them. Place the plants down in the holes so that the roots are just below the surface level. Spread soil over top of the roots and work it in between the roots as you go so there are no air pockets.
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Water the flowers thoroughly after planting to dampen the soil down to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Make sure the soil stays damp through the growing season but does not stay wet enough to develop mold, which can happen in the shade. The best way to do this is to allow the soil to get dry to the touch before watering again.
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Spread mulch around the base of the plants to keep weeds out and provide a slow release of nutrients.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer, following package directions, in the spring to keep nutrients in the soil. Keeping nutrient levels up is essential if the shaded area is a result of tall trees, as their roots have spread under the soil and can drain the earth of nutrition needed by the flowers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
