Which annuals for sun and which for shade?

Make use of every last metre of your garden or balcony. For your annuals to thrive, you will need to think not only about fertiliser but, above all, about where to put them. So the most important question to ask yourself is which annuals suit the sun and which suit the shade.  You will find out in our article.

Planting a bed

So at the beginning of May, sow some fast-growing annuals straight into the bed, such as sunflowers, annual ornamental grasses, mignonette and others. It is better to wait until the end of the month before planting more delicate species.

When you are setting up a bed, the most important thing is to arrange the individual plants correctly. Plant lower, almost carpet-forming annuals around the edges, for example sweet alyssum, verbena, begonias, lobelia, busy lizzies or heliotrope. Behind them, put taller species: petunias, marigolds, sage, ornamental tobacco. Place the tallest annuals right at the back of the bed, such as spider flowers, cosmos and ornamental poppies.

Annuals for the sun

Zinnia (Zinnia)

Try to plant it in a cold frame or an open bed. It likes sun and well-drained soil. Give it enough water, otherwise it will quickly dry out. Place it towards the back or in the middle of mixed flower beds.

Aster (Astra)

Plant it as early as May. It also likes sun but tolerates partial shade too. Do not forget to water it regularly either. Asters do not need anything special, so put them in a mixed flower bed.

Orpine (Hylotelephium)

Some people also call it cabbage. It is an undemanding species that grows tall, so you can also put it in a vase. It likes full sun and does not mind long periods of drought. Its cut flowers are traded at flower auctions and are commonly used in the floristry trade.

Daylilies

The most popular Czech annual. Its popularity is also growing thanks to its edible flowers, which you can use in vegetable salads or as a decoration on desserts. The colour range runs from white through yellow and orange to deep purple. Unfortunately, each flower only lasts one day, so you will not get to enjoy them for long.

Large-flowered tickseed (Coreopsis)

The downside of tickseed is that you will only enjoy its deep yellow or pink flowers for a short time. It is one of the short-lived annuals, so if you take a liking to it, expect to replant it often. This perennial, which grows up to sixty centimetres tall, attracts various insect pollinators with its flowers.

Orange coneflower (Rudbeckia)

This annual copes with a spot in full sun, where it does not even need regular watering. Slugs love the young plants, so watch out for that. Also, leave its seed heads in the bed until spring so that it does not freeze. In winter, the plant also serves as an interesting decoration.

Annuals for the shade

Fuchsias

They like partial to full shade. But watch out for wind and draughts, as they cannot stand them. Fuchsias flower from spring to autumn. Try buying both upright and trailing varieties, both are truly beautiful. But make sure you water them regularly and feed them from time to time.

Periwinkle (Vinca)

It is an evergreen herb or small shrub. It has trailing shoots with glossy oval leaves and is one of the long-lived perennials. It prefers shade, so do not hesitate to put it in a bed that does not get much sun. One of the advantages of periwinkle is that it is undemanding. It is happy with ordinary, rather moist garden soil. Also bear in mind that if it likes it at your place, it will spread absolutely everywhere.

Ferns (Polypodiopsida)

They look their best where you let them spread. They can shade the roots of plants that need it. What is more, thanks to them you will feel as if you are in a forest. Do not be afraid to combine ferns with perennials that have similar soil requirements. You can try planting them around a garden pond.

Flowers will brighten up your garden or terrace, and you will feel more relaxed and stress-free. Whether you are planning annuals for the sun or for the shade, be sure to get some.

Take a look at our other articles, for example how to make a children’s playhouse or how to plant and grow annuals. After that, also check out the article on being your own boss.