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Container Gardening

Winter Container for the Shade

15 years ago

Hello All!

I am posting a photo of my container that I have sitting outside my apartment building for all to enjoy when coming and going. My begonia has really thrived this summer and fall, but it is now time to replace it with something for the winter. The area only receives a minimal amount of sunshine in the early morning and then complete shade the remainder of the day. I am really looking for something that blooms - the more the better! My zone is 7b so anything with a 5 or higher zone would be appropriate is what I am figuring. Oh, and I would really love to have Winter Daphne and Hellebores, but they are so darn pricy. I priced the Daphne at $34.99 and the small Hellebores for $11.99 each this week...yikes! I am trying to keep it as efficient as possible while still keeping it attractive. I don't want to spend too much or it may grow legs...Any suggestions?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

-Frank

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When brought inside:

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Comments (2)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
15 years ago
Even in very mild climates, there's not all that much that will bloom continually through winter in the northern hemisphere :-) Winter daphne is really late winter daphne, seldom blooming before March but depending on species/hybrids selected, you can get an early and long bloom season from some hellebores - 'Ivory Prince' is one of the better choices. But you may be better off selecting plants that offer other winter interest - colored foliage, berries or attractive bark, etc. I find mixed containers offer the greatest appeal, but these generally require a good sized container - I'd consider 16-18 inch diameter a minimum.

You could choose a dwarf Japanese skimmia (a winter bloomer that loves shade), a yellow or red twig dogwood, dwarf conifer or an evergreen grass like Carex as a centerpiece and add heucheras for foliage color, wintergreen for both foliage and berries or any other evergreen perennial. Trailers like vinca or fancy leaf ivy are nice additions to cascade over the edge.

Winter pansies will provide a lot of color and if in a protected area (out of the rain, primarily), florist's cyclamen will flower throughout winter as well and will tolerate some pretty cold temperatures.
frank27603
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for your follow-up and insight, gardengal48!

I am limited in pot size as the space is only a nook beside the entry door for 6 apartments. The pot I have is probably about 14 or so inches. I actually had to scoot it over as the Begonia grew and let it trail through the railing because folks were walking past and breaking it...not cool!

I really like the idea of mixing the textures as you suggested and know I can locate ivy to trail with. I've done several containers in the past using the ivy trailing over and love the effect.

Thanks for the idea about the Cyclamen. I just saw florist cyclamen on the reduced rack before I made this post...sure wish I would have picked up some! I had no idea it could be out in the cold and bloom.

If anyone else has any suggestions, please send them. Thanks again and I'll be sure to post some photos when I get it complete!

-Frank
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