These ideas for colourful pots in shade gardens will brighten up a shady spot in the garden, especially if you are wondering how to bring some colour to your garden with little sun. There are many plants with beautiful colours and textures for a shady area and despite them seemingly being tricky, if you choose the right plants for the right place, you can improve the space no end. These plants will grow in a shady border but also work well in pots meaning you can move them if needed, and even if you have a small garden or patio, they will brighten it up because they will grow in pots and containers as well.
Go Green for colourful pots in shade gardens
The colour of nature is, of course, green, so why not create a container full of different shades of green? When we think of colour in the garden, it’s often the brighter colours that we think of, but there are many different shades of green that can create beautiful displays. Euphorbia, Ivy, Ferns and Hostas will make up a container full of green interest for a shady corner.
Think of textures to create colourful pots in shade gardens
When you plant your pots full of colour, think about the textures as well. Some of the most stunning displays focus intensely on texture. Not just to look at but to give you something to touch as you walk by.
- Lambs ear (Stachys) will tolerate a little shade and has a velvety feel
- Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) has frothy green flowers and soft foliage
- Add a Male Fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), and you’ll have a pot of different textures
Ideas for surprisingly colourful pots in shade gardens
Just because the space you want to fill is shady doesn’t mean you can’t fill it with colour. It’s a common misconception that shade means boring, but that’s not the case at all. Fill a large container with good quality, peat-free compost and plant a Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) for its bright pink heart-shaped flowers. Think of a Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) for tiny blue flowers. What about a Cranesbill (such as Geranium phaem) for purple flowers? There are many options.
Colourful pots in shade gardens ideas for a calm, cool look
If you’d prefer a pot of plants that gives a calm feeling go for greens, white and light colours. For a serene look, why not try:
- False goatsbeard (Astilbe) in white
- Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum x hybridum)
- Underplant with some bulbs such as Snowdrops (Galanthus) or white Muscari aucheri 'White Magic'
- Add in a Heuchera or a Tiarella, and you’ll have created a cool, calm pot to make you smile every time you see it
Come and visit us for shade planting advice, plants, compost, and pots.