Now that winter is here, many of our garden and yard flowers are making their way inside the house. But there are only so many windows and so much space in any given household. And there's nothing more heartbreaking than watching flowers wilt from lack of sunlight in the corner of a room. Even plants outside would need to be kept under a cover to protect them from the snow. But all this darkness doesn't have to mean the end for your flowers.
These 10 types of flowers are what you would call shade-tolerant - they actually thrive when kept out of the direct view of the sun. That makes them perfect for any season and an excellent way to make every corner of your home burst with color. Take a look at some of these shade-friendly flowers that you won't be able to resist!
(By UpstateNYer, Wikimedia Commons)
Primrose plants bloom in early spring and are great in the shady corners of a garden. They're also an excellent border plant and come in numerous sizes and colors. They require well-drained soil and cannot handle large amounts of water. They can tolerate both full and partial shade.
(By Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons)
These multicolored beauties are the opposite of primrose flowers in terms of water needs. They require plenty to stay strong so ensure the soil remains moist, but be careful not to overwater. The flowers bloom in all seasons except for winter and can be kept in a variety of places that offer either full or partial shade.
(By liz west, Wikimedia Commons)
This shade-friendly flower has a strong and refreshing fragrance and has been a regular resident of springtime gardens the world over for thousands of years. However, it is highly toxic for pets and children and can even be fatal in small doses of 1 or 2 leaves or berries, so keep pets and kids away from these plants. They grow well in partial shade and require moist soil.
(By Ookwormbay7, Wikimedia Commons)
This immensely popular flowering shrub is known as a Hydrangea, and it, too, belongs to the shade-tolerant group of flowers. However, they are only tolerant of partial shade and still require minimal amounts of sunlight. They’re exceptionally popular in curbside pots, along sidewalks, and against the foundations of a home. They need to be kept in moist soil and watered at least once a week.
(By Kor!An, Wikimedia Commons)
The Astilbe plant is known for its long stem and tall plumes coated with numerous soft pink petals. These summer flowers aren’t just shade-tolerant, they’re actually sensitive to sunlight. Places with moderate shade are best, but if left under the full sun, this flower will burn. They are also slightly drought tolerant, but given their sensitivity to heat, it is better to water them regularly.
(By Off2riorob, Wikimedia Commons)
This plant is what is commonly referred to as a mid-size plant and it looks excellent in a garden between the longer and shorter plants. It looks most beautiful in the partial shade next to another garden and bouquet favorite, pansies. It requires well-drained soil and is susceptible to over-watering, so caution must be exercised when watering. It blooms in fall, summer, and spring.
(Flickr)
Pansies are a brightly-colored member of the violet family that grows in the cooler seasons of spring and fall. Flowers stop blooming when the first frost hits, as this plant, much like snapdragons, are not tolerant to excess amounts of cold or water. They also require small amounts of sun, and must therefore be kept in partial shade.
(By H. Zell, Wikimedia Commons)
The calendula is a cool-weather plant that is adorned with gorgeous orange and yellow blooms. It is a frequently seen flower in British Cottage gardens. These lovely flowers require everything in moderation. Shade must be given only in part and the soil must be kept moist but also well-drained. The trick with calendulas is to make sure you give them a little bit of love and a little bit of neglect as well!
(By Muffet, Wikimedia Commons)
Bleeding hearts are a single-season flower, blooming only in the early days of spring. They are named for the heart-shaped flowers that grow on the plan’s many curved stems. They are an excellent flower to add some light color to your home or garden, and they absolutely love the shade! They can survive in partial shade as well and need soil to be moist consistently.
(By Rude, Wikimedia Commons)
These frail-looking blue flowers are actually very easy to maintain. They are native to the United States and they thrive in humid and wet areas, like those near bodies of water. They require only partial shade. This garden-border favorite typically blooms in the months towards the end of summer and through fall.
Share these shade-loving flowers with every garden-lover out there!
