Potted plants are a great way to add color and life to your outdoor space. But if your outdoor space is in a shady area, you may wonder what the best potted plants for outdoor shade are. While many plants can grow in shady areas, not all will thrive in a pot. 

This blog post will discuss the best-potted plants for outdoor shade, including impatiens, begonias, and ferns. Stay tuned to learn more about growing plants in shady areas!

What Kind Of Plants Make Great Sunshades?

 Plants Make Great Sunshades

If you’re looking for plants that make great sunshades, look no further than the umbrella palm. This tropical plant is perfect for shielding your sun-soaked skin from the sun’s harsh rays. Other plants that make great sunshades include bougainvillea, ficus, and philodendron. These plants are easy to care for and provide years of shade and beauty in your garden.

Top 12 Potted Plants For Outdoor Shade

Plants For Outdoor Shade

Potted plants are a great addition to any outdoor space, as they provide shade and a touch of beauty. Here are the twelve best-potted plants for outdoor shade:

English ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a well-liked option since it can swiftly cover enormous areas, making it perfect for expansive gardens or open spaces. This resilient plant is ideal for an outdoor area that gets both sun and rain because it can withstand dry and rainy circumstances.

Begonia (Begonia sempervirens)

Begonia (Begonia sempervirens) is another popular choice for its ability to cover large areas quickly. This plant has attractive variegated leaves and spikes of white, pink, or purple flowers. Begonia can grow in either full sun or partial shade, making it a great option for any outdoor space.

Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)

The weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina) is a popular choice for its weeping branches and lush green leaves. This hardy plant can grow up to 12 feet tall, making it a great option for larger gardens or spaces. Weeping fig is tolerant of dry and wet conditions, making it a great choice for an outdoor space that receives both sun and rain.

Fortunella simaruba

For its glossy green leaves and durable blossoms, Fortunella simaruba is a well-liked option. This hardy perennial can withstand dry and rainy circumstances and grows up to 4 feet tall. It is a wonderful option for an outdoor area that gets both sun and moisture.

Philodendron cordatum

Another popular option is Philodendron cordatum, which has long-lasting blossoms and lustrous leaves. This resilient plant is a fantastic choice for an outside area that gets both sun and rain because it can reach a height of up to 10 feet and withstand both dry and rainy circumstances.

Vinca minor

Another preferred option is Vinca minor due to its glossy foliage and resilient blossoms. This hardy perennial can withstand dry and rainy circumstances and grows up to 3 feet tall. It is a wonderful choice for an outdoor area that gets both sun and moisture.

Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The bamboo palm (Chamaedorea elegans), known for its sturdy trunk and resilient bamboo shoots, is a common choice. This robust palm is ideal for larger gardens or areas with plenty of space because it may grow up to 30 feet tall. Bamboo palm is a fantastic choice for an outdoor area that receives both sun and rain because it can withstand dry and wet circumstances.

Philodendron amethystinum

Another preferred option is the Philodendron amethystinum, which has long-lasting blossoms and beautiful leaves. This resilient plant is a fantastic choice for an outside area that gets both sun and rain because it can reach a height of up to 10 feet and withstand both dry and rainy circumstances.

African violet (Saintpaulia ananthos)

Saintpaulia ananthos, an African violet, is a well-liked option because of its vibrant blossoms and long-lasting flowers. This hardy perennial can withstand dry and rainy circumstances and grows up to 3 feet tall. It is a wonderful choice for an outdoor area that gets both sun and moisture.

Boston fern (Nephrolepis Maritima)

Because of its growth pattern and long-lasting fronds, the Boston fern (Nephrolepis Maritima) is a well-liked option. This hardy fern is ideal for an outside area that gets both sun and rain because it may reach a height of 12 feet and can withstand dry and wet circumstances.

Monstera deliciosa

Monstera deliciosa is another popular choice for its glossy leaves and long-lived flowers. This hardy plant can grow up to 30 feet tall, making it perfect for larger gardens or spaces with plenty of room to spare. Monstera deliciosa is tolerant of both dry and wet conditions, making it a great choice for an outdoor space that receives both sun and rain.

Bromeliad (Bromelia  ×  Endlicheri)

Another preferred option is the bromeliad (Bromelia Endlicheri), which has magnificent blossoms and resilient flowers. This low-maintenance plant, which may reach heights of up to 12 inches, is ideal for tiny gardens or areas with constrained space. Bromeliads are a fantastic choice for an outside area that receives both sun and rain because they can withstand dry and wet circumstances.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Potted Plant For Outdoor Shade

When considering whether or not to bring a potted plant into the sun-soaked outdoors, there are a few factors to consider.

  • First and foremost is the plant’s size. Most potted plants for outdoor shade will not require as much water as those planted in full sun.
  • Secondly, consider the type of soil in which the plant is grown. Plants grown in sandy soils will likely need more frequent watering than those grown in clay soils; likewise, plants that grow near water sources will need less water than those that do not.
  • Finally, pay attention to how long the plant has been acclimated to outdoor conditions. Some plants may take longer to adjust than others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any flowers that don’t need sun?

Flowers need sunlight to grow and function. Some flowers, like orchids, are native to hot, dry climates and don’t need sunlight to grow. Others, like daisies, have evolved to require a little sunlight to help them photosynthesize. Many flowers can tolerate partial sun exposure, but full sun is still the best way to grow them.

How do I pick a plant for outdoor pots?

You should choose plants for outdoor pots according to the plant’s natural habitat and sun exposure. For example, a succulent such as Echeveria would be best suited for a sunny spot outdoors. At the same time, leafy tree-like Maples require more shade. Additionally, look for plants with fast-growing rates or those that are easy to transplant.

What is the easiest outdoor plant to take care of?

The easiest outdoor plant to take care of is a succulent. Succulents have a high water content, so they do not require as much watering as other plants. They also do not require fertilizer or pesticides and are easy to propagate by dividing the root ball.

Can a butterfly bush grow in the shade?

The butterfly bush can grow in the shade, but it is not always encouraged. This is because the sun provides most of the bush’s energy to grow and reproduce. So if the bush is in direct sunlight all day long, it will not be able to grow as well as it could if it were in a more shaded area.

What flowers bloom in the shade all summer?

Many flowers bloom in Shade all Summer. These plants have adapted to the cooler temperatures by growing shorter, narrower stems that can take up less space and produce fewer flowers. This allows them to grow beneath taller plants and in areas with less direct sunlight. The most common Shade-adapted flowers are daisies, snapdragons, and yarrows.

Conclusion

According to this study, pot plants can be positioned in various locations to create adequate coverage and provide decent shade for outdoor areas. Potted plants are a flexible alternative for anyone looking for shade because they may be employed as accents or as full-fledged garden elements.