What are the best annuals for heavy shade, heavy sun-Houston

[vbhoutex]

I'm trying to revitalize a neglected back yard. In the morning hours it is in dark shade most of the time and then in the afternnon parts of it come under a full frontal sun attack while other areas are still shaded. What are the best flowering annuals or pernnials(if I even know what I am talking about) for these areas. We have 2 transplaned Hibiscus and 16 mexican heather and one red tip photinia and 4 crepe myrtlles now. One of the crepe myrtles is being overwhelmed by the fig tree next to it.

Any suggestions of any kind would help.

[Miss Mary]

Up here in OH, the best annuals are:

Impatiens. But they take a daily watering. Otherwise they shrivel up. If you forget to water one day, they can recover by quickly watering them. They grow huge if watered well and fertilized weekly.

Other annuals grow well in shade that are thought of as full sun annuals too, I've found. Marigolds are one. In your region, you'd probably need to water them daily too. Up here I can skip a day with Marigolds.

Perenials:

Hosta's first and foremost. Don't run out and buy large container sized ones, even though you're tempted to do so, just b/c they fill a bare spot. They grow very fast and multiply quickly. You can even take a clipping off a neighbor's (with their persmission of course!) and they do well that way too. I've always purchased small container sized ones - quart size or even smaller I think.

Astilbe's! They come in many colors, I have red flowered ones in my yard. Come in white and pink too. The foliage is green and looks pretty, w/o flowers. Almost like a houseplant would. They take water too. I imagine in your hot region, you'd want to water well in the beginning but several times a week too. Deep watering is best - turn your hose on with just a trickle and put it right at the plant's base. Water for about 30 minutes that way. Roots absorb the water best this way for large plants like this (bushes, shrubs too, they take an hour each). Trees most especially thrive on watering like this.

Ferns might do well too. I've seen Hosta's, Astilbe's and Ferns all growing together, staggered of course. Ferns in back. Hosta's and Astilbe's in front, every other one. Put the fern in between each hosta and astilbe, for a V pattern. Hope that makes sense! This is a very nice effect. I could put fern behind my row of Hosta's and Astilbe's, but I'm afraid it would be too crowded since it backs up next to my garage wall.

[Stephanie]

Miss Mary has suggested some of the most common annual/perennials.

Other full sun annuals that would be good and colorful are geraniums and zinnias.

Coleus, caladium (annuals), coral bells (perennial) are good for shade.

Actually, hostas, depending on the type, love the sun too, but they probably appreciate alittle shade during the day.

Catmint, bee balm, spiderwort are good sunny perenials.

[vbhoutex]

Thanks for the suggestions ladies!!! I even know what some of them are!!! :? These suggestions sure give me a good start to work with. I ma not a brown thumb or a green thumb, just a thuimb I think. Go figure-my dad was a Master Gardener! :o

[petal*pusher]

AHA!! Good for your dad to give you some background in gardening! I've noticed that most gardeners were introduced to this way of life by family members.

You have some great suggestions here! I realize that our growing zones are probably quite different, but I have a place out back with the same conditions you're discussing. I have Hostas in many different varieties that love the shade. With them in this shady area are a few annuals.....Dragon Wing Begonias, Wax Begonias, Coleus, and Impatiens.

Bordering the area that gets partial sun are some perennials that do well here......Bergenia, Lavender, Purple Cone Flower, Veronica Spicata.

Here.....take a look for yourself (this album is all of my Hosta!)!.........p
http://community.webshots.com/album/78992791nzGQhV

[deb_in_nc]

Pentas are also a good choice. Hummers and butterflies are attracted to them and mine stand up to the sun and heat really well. Once they're established of course.If you can find Fire Spike there, that would also be a good choice. You're in zone 9 so keep that in mind when buying plants. some places sell plants that aren't suitable for a hot humid climate. I've found alot of that from K-Mart here.

Debbie

[Pburgh]

David you have beeen given some real great ideas here. I don't have much to add, but I love Oak Leaf Hydrangeas for the shade area. These combined with Coral Bells look great for a low maintenance - low light area. A lot of ornamental grasses look good and work great in these areas also. I only use hostas in deep shade areas. They love it.

[breeze]

The bleeding heart will also do well in full shade. Mine sits
beside a hedge, under a big hickory tree, in the back yard,
and only gets watered when it rains! It only blooms in the
spring, but, the plant itself is thriving!