Sun or shade?
Local knowledge helps when it’s time to start planting
Houston gardeners are always on the hunt for plants that can take the sun, but what about the shade?
Allan Berger writes that he is expanding his garden and is wondering which plants require full sun and which ones love the shade.
Shade
Shady spots are perfect for impatiens, begonias and torenia. All three bloom consistently and work well in pots as well as plantings. Green-leafed begonias like the shade, while the red- to bronze-leafed varieties can handle more sun. Torenia, also known as the wishbone flower, is a delicate summer favorite that works in filtered sun. Impatiens have traditionally been shade-loving plants, but with Proven Winners’ new ‘Sunpatiens’ series, you can pick up the variety you need for your spot.
Most caladium varieties prefer partial or full shade, but some can tolerate bright light. Jake Woodall loves the ‘Red Flash’ caladium and has had success with it in both shade and sun. The secret to raising caladiums in the sun is to
water them enough to consistently keep the soil slightly moist.
Leah Rosales sent photos of her hoya plants, which are thriving — and blooming — under the shade of her crepe myrtle.
Repeat-blooming hydrangeas, such as ‘Endless Summer,’ will add pink or blue blooms in filtered sun.
Plumbago likes partial sun and offers a mound of powder-blue blooms all summer.
Sun
Hibiscus is synonymous with summer in Houston. The tropical plants love the sun, and their blooms range from exotic multicolored hybrids to our own hardy ‘Texas Star.’
Salvia is also great for Houston gardens with sun or partial sun and well-draining soil. Two to try are the rich purplishblue Salvia guaranitica, or anise sage, and the redand-white Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips.’
The Double Purple Datura, which Carleen Woods has had good luck with, is stunning — but dangerous. All parts of the plant are toxic, so don’t try this one if you have children in the garden.
Carol Kitzmann has had luck with sun-loving Texas bluebells (Eustoma grandiflorum), also known as lisianthus.
Other top summer sun performers include yellow bells or esperanza (Tecoma stans), golden dewdrop (Duranta repens) and black-eyed Susans or rudbeckia.
Zinnias bloom in sunny gardens with good drainage from late spring until frost. ‘Crystal Yellow’ zinnia has a bright, small flower. ‘Magellan Coral’ is a stunning garden addition. Tim Kava has had success with the largeflowered cactus zinnia.
Sun-loving pentas, favorites of butterflies and hummingbirds, come in a variety of colors to perk up your plot. These hardy plants from Mexico keep the garden looking good through the long, hot summer.