The vibrant orange blooms of Crossandra pop against the dark green foliage of this shady landscape bed. Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
As the scorching summer sun bears down upon us, it’s essential to create cool, comfortable spaces in our gardens and landscapes. One effective way to beat the summer heat is by incorporating shade-loving plants into your outdoor oasis. Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center is here to help you discover an array of shade-tolerant plants perfectly suited for the beautiful Tampa Bay area of Florida. In this blog post, we’ll explore a selection of shade-loving plants that thrive even in the hottest months.
- Cordylines: Cordylines, including the popular Hawaiian Ti plants, are stunning ornamental plants with vibrant, sword-like foliage that adds a tropical touch to any shaded area. These plants are known for their long, arching leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, burgundy, pink, and variegated combinations. Cordylines are remarkably adaptable and thrive in partial to full shade, making them an excellent choice for brightening up shaded spots in your garden.
- Dracaenas: Dracaenas are another group of shade-tolerant plants that offer elegance and beauty to your outdoor space. With their strappy, lance-shaped leaves in various shades of green, yellow, and variegated patterns, Dracaenas provide a visually striking presence. These plants can tolerate low light conditions and are perfect for creating a lush, leafy backdrop in shady corners or under trees.
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‘Red Sister’ is the most commonly grown variety of Cordyline in our area. It’s bright pink leaves complement many other varieties of tropical foliage. Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
Elephant Ears (Alocasias and Colocasias): If you’re looking for large, dramatic foliage to create a lush tropical ambiance, Elephant Ears are an excellent choice. Alocasias and Colocasias are part of the Elephant Ear family and thrive in partially shaded to shady areas. Their oversized, heart-shaped leaves come in a range of shades, including deep green, purple, and variegated varieties. These plants not only provide a bold visual impact but also lend a sense of exoticism to your garden.
- Crossandra: Crossandra, also known as the Firecracker Flower, is a fantastic shade-loving plant that displays vibrant clusters of orange, red, or pink tubular flowers. This tropical beauty thrives in shaded areas and adds a burst of color to your garden. Crossandra is a reliable bloomer and can tolerate high humidity, making it a perfect choice for climate here in Zone 9B.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: The Fiddle Leaf Fig has become a popular houseplant, but it can also thrive in shaded outdoor spaces. This tree-like plant features large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves that create an impressive focal point. While it prefers bright, indirect light, it can tolerate some shade, making it suitable for areas with filtered sunlight or dappled shade. The Fiddle Leaf Fig brings a touch of elegance and a modern aesthetic to any shaded garden.
Other Shade-Tolerant Plants: Apart from the aforementioned plants, there are several other options to consider for your shaded garden oasis. Some additional shade-tolerant plants for our area include Caladiums, Cast Iron Plant, Philodendrons, Azaleas, Camellias, and various ferns. These plants offer a wide range of colors, textures, and sizes, allowing you to create a diverse and visually appealing shaded garden.
Pro Tip: Many of these shade-friendly plants are more tropical in nature. This means that they may be susceptible to damage during winter cold spells. If you have concerns regarding your own cold hardiness zone, please speak with one of the friendly gardening professionals at Canterbury Farms for advice on plant selection.
Caladiums look similar to varieties of Elephant Ear plants, but are generally much smaller in stature. These beauties die back in the winter, but gardeners wait with enthusiasm for them to grow back from their bulbs in early summer. Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
Don’t let the summer heat deter you from enjoying your outdoor space. By incorporating shade-loving plants into your garden, you can create cool and inviting areas to relax and unwind. Canterbury Farms Nursery & Garden Center recommends exploring the beauty and versatility of shade-tolerant plants. Visit our nursery today to discover these fantastic plants that will thrive in our climate, helping you transform your garden into a shaded sanctuary during the hottest months of the year.
Fiddle Leaf Fig makes a statement wherever it is planted. Photo by Anna Stubbendick, Canterbury Farms
