Summer container garden ideas for shade
As you explore Bonnie Dumas' garden and patios in Kansas, you’ll find beautiful hanging baskets, windowboxes and upcycled containers that add color and texture throughout the summer. Take a look at a few of Bonnie’s planting recipes here. This constantly evolving tapestry of blooms and stunning containers bursts with rustic charm! If you’re inspired by her container ideas, don’t miss her dog-friendly garden design — see the feature garden here.
Splashy begonia container for part shade
Tropical plants can be used both indoors and out, depending on the season. Begonias and variegated nasturtiums are the main draw in this 5-foot-long container. Grow this combo in part shade.
Plant list
A) Variegated snake plant Sansevieria trifasciata var. laurentii
B) Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus ‘Alaska Mix’
C) Wing begonia Begonia x hybrida ‘Canary Wing’
A) Wing begonia Begonia Dragon Wing® Red
Container shown is 5 ft. long, 9 in. wide and 10 in. tall
You Might Also Like:
Our Favorite Houseplants for Your Outdoor Containers
Container Gardening Books
Tips for Perfect Patio Pairings
Plant up perennial divisions in containers!
Have some perennial plants ready for division? Put them to work in containers. Bonnie pulled this fern from her garden, and she also uses coral bells and hostas, which thrive in shady containers. At the end of the season, replant them in the garden.
Plant list
A) Coral bells Heuchera ‘Red Lightning’
B) Coral bells Heuchera ‘Wildberry’
C) Hosta Hosta ‘Fire Island’
D) Hakonechloa Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’
Container shown is 14 in. tall and 18 in. wide
Repurpose a fountain base into a container garden
Bonnie upcycled the base of an old fountain as a container for the shady front garden bed. Different foliage textures and colors draw attention as people walk by. Plus, the clematis planted in the center adds a contrast to the retaining wall backdrop when in bloom.
Plant list
A) Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides El Brighto
B) Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides Lime Time
C) Wing begonia Begonia Dragon Wing® Pink
D) Purple heart Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’
E) Moneywort Lysimachia congestiflora
Container shown is 4 ft. in diameter
Colorful coleus container garden for shade
The vibrant hues and contrasting foliage textures in this concrete container add depth and dimension to any sunny outdoor space. The golden tones of the coleus complement the rich purple foliage of purple heart, while the delicate wire vine softens the edges of this combo.
Container plant list
A) Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides Golden Dreams™
B) Coleus Plectranthus scutellarioides Stained Glassworks® Velvet
C) Purple heart Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’
D) Creeping wire vine Muehlenbeckia complexa
Container shown is 12 in. tall and 14 in. wide
You Might Also Like:
How to Save Your Container Plants Over Winter
Best Tools for Container Gardening
Watch Container Gardening Videos on Our YouTube Channel
Like Our Gardening Articles? Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter!
