Cymbidium Orchid Bouquet

Getting color in shaded areas can be a challenge. Annuals can provide that bit of color with a long bloom time. Most annuals do best in full sun, however there is a good selection of shade loving plants. Shade annuals are great for those spots that only get a tiny bit of sun during the day, or the dappled light under trees. Try one of these 10 plants next time you want a splash of color!

1. Begonias (Latin: Begonia semperflorens-cultorum). Begonias have waxy looking leaves, which can be either green or a reddish brown color. The flower color can be white, pink or red. Begonias will bloom from last spring through summer. The average height of a begonia is 6 to 12 inches. You can find begonias which thrive in sun, but make sure you plant the correct kind for your area.

2. Browallia (Latin: Browallia americana). Lesser known, browallias are great for hanging baskets or anywhere you want a spread of flowers. The colors are either blue or white and bloom profusely.

3. Coleus (Latin: Coleus hybridus). Coleus plants are not planted for their flowers, but for the wonderful foliage! The leaf color can range from red, purple, orange, yellow and green. Often variegated. They will grow to an average height of 24 inches and are very easy to grow. For best results, pinch back the tips of the flowers when they are young, as this will encourage fuller, bushy growth.

4. Impatiens (Latin: Impatiens wallerana). Impatiens are hugely popular. Since this annual comes in a wide variety of colors, it can fit in almost anywhere. Some of the colors available include white, purple, red, pink and orange. They are very easy to grow and range from eight inches to a taller thrity inch variety. The foliage is attractive with small green leaves. Impatiens are also called 'busy lizzies' due to their prolific flower production all season long.

5. Forget-Me-Not (Latin: Myosotis sylvatica). These flowers produce plenty of delicate blue flowers during the spring time. They grow six to twelve inches tall and spread out - so you can use these to fill in bare spots. Planted along with spring time bulbs such as tulips or daffodils, forget-me-nots can give your garden a classic look.

6. Lobelia (Latin: Lobelia). Looking for a blue flower? Lobelia will fit the bill! There are two types - trailing and edging. The trailing lobelias are perfect for containers and hanging baskets. The edgers are great for a border. Lobelias bloom throughout the summer months with lots of tiny flowers. They grow about 6 inches tall and may reseed themselves in milder climates.

7. Flowering tobacco (Latin: Nicotiana). Nicotiana is related to smoking tobacco and popular in old fashioned gardens. They come in a wide variety of sizes, from compact twelve inch to four feet tall. Some varieties are wonderfully fragrant, such as 'sylvestris' and 'Fragrant Cloud'. Typical flower colors are red or white. Use the shorter variety in the middle or front of the flower bed, or in containers. Use the tall variety to add height in the back of a border. The blooms with some varieties will close in the afternoon and reopen in the evening.

Don't be afraid of the shade. Try any of these annuals to add some color and fun to your shady garden areas!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Gardening [gardening.tips-and-gear/]