• Container gardening in the shade poses unique challenges, but finding lovely flowers shouldn't be one of them. Once you determine the amount of shade your containers get, you can choose flowers that are well-adapted to shade, shade-tolerant sun-loving plants or a combination. And don't discount attractive foliage plants to make your flowers stand out all the more. Finally, remember that plants tend to grow more slowly in shade than in sun.
  
  

How Much Shade

• Plants are usually labeled for shade and sun preference. Base your plant choices on how many hours of direct sunlight your containers get each day.
  
  Light shade: four to six hours
  Partial shade: two to four hours
  Full shade: no direct sunlight, only indirect sunlight
  Deep shade: no direct or indirect sunlight
  
  You can determine your shade levels by observation, or you can purchase special equipment, such as a meter, to measure it more exactly.
  
  

Shade-Loving Flowers

• Many shade-loving flowers need at least a portion of direct sunlight, although some prefer deep shade. Shade perennials can survive in containers if you provide extra protection in winter.
  
  Astilbe plants have fern-like foliage and colorful plumes. This perennial's foliage and flowers both come in many shades.
  
  Begonias have colorful flowers and leaves. Containerized plants brought indoors will bloom year round.
  
  Bleeding hearts also have fern-like foliage, and these perennials produce drooping, heart-shaped flowers in white and pink.
  
  Cranesbill is a perennial geranium that can grow from 1 to 3 feet tall, with purple-pink flowers.
  
  Fuschias, with their dangling flowers, are ideal annuals for hanging planters and can attract hummingbirds.
  
  Hostas are perennials usually grown for their leaves, but they do produce white or purple flowers that attract hummingbirds.
  
  Impatiens, either single or double, are shade-gardening annuals that adapt well to containers.
  
  Primroses---in purples, oranges, pinks, yellows---are perennials with single- and double-form flowers, some with two colors on the same petals.
  
  

Shade-Tolerant Sun-Loving Flowers

• Although they prefer full or part sun, some sun-loving plants can adapt to shadier spots. When you shop in the sun-loving plants section, look for "part shade" on the tag. These likely will handle shade better than plants labeled only "full sun." Experiment with plants that catch your eye and be prepared for some of them to struggle.
  
  Daylilies are perennials that can thrive in part shade and come in a wide variety of colors and heights.
  
  Pansies enjoy the sun, but they too can tolerate some shade. In certain climates, they may even survive through winter.
  
  Columbine grows wild throughout the U.S. in both sunny and shady locations. These plants are available to gardeners in colors across the spectrum, in their wild flower form, double-flower form and upright forms.
  
  

Adding Foliage

• Flowers aren't the only way to add color to your containers. Foliage plants like caladium and coleus are shade-loving annuals that can provide contrasting greens, burgundies and even pinks. Ferns and even a few ornamental grasses prefer shade and are great for adding height and interest.