Condo or apartment dwellers who have north-facing or other low-light balconies or decks are limited in the types of plants that will grow well in those conditions. There are a number of plants, however, that will not only grow, but grow well in a shady spot.
I always like to offer suggestions at the end of the growing season in the fall for next spring's plantings. I find that having this year's successes and failures fresh in mind helps to think through what I would like to do next year.
The plants we will look at today serve a twofold function: They can be grown indoors or out or both. I really like plants that are so versatile that they add colour to the indoor setting in the winter and in the spring they just keep right on looking good outdoors.
Coleus will not only do well in shade, but will also excel in providing a splash of bright colour to any shady spot. Coleus plants are grown for their foliage colour. The flowers are insignificant.
While there are coleus varieties that are sun-tolerant, the majority are shade-loving plants. With a wide variety of colours and forms, these versatile plants are available to suit any purpose and colour scheme. When fall approaches, you can bring them indoors as a houseplant that can easily be grown through the winter. The bonus? They will continue to grow in size. When spring comes, all you need do is set out the plant on the deck or balcony and you will have an instant focal point.
Coleuses range in height from 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm). Some varieties are quite bushy, while others are more upright.
Take a little time when planning your containers to decide which variety would work best for you. A little homework goes a long way toward avoiding problems down the road -- such as growing a tall plant in a spot that needs a short variety. Take some time to choose the colours you prefer as well. Some good references are seed catalogues or online searches.
Some tips for growing coleus indoors and out:
* Pinch off any flower spikes that form. A coleus that is allowed to flower has completed its life cycle, so pinching the flowers will extend its life as well as encouraging it to bush out.
* Also pinch out the centre growth on the plant to encourage bushiness.
* Keep the plant well watered in the container. The soil should be moist but never wet. Consider using a mulch around the plants to help keep the soil moist and from drying out. Even containers that are in the shade can dry out quickly on hot, windy days.
* Feed the plants monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or with a slow-release fertilizer intended for container use.
Another great plant for adding some colour to any shady location is the impatiens. These little gems come in colours ranging from white to red to orange to lavender, among others. There are double varieties available as well as bi-coloured types. These bright little flowers are guaranteed to light up any dark balcony or deck, and they are among the easiest of annuals to grow.
Here are some tips for growing the best impatiens:
* Keep the soil moist at all times. Never allow these plants to dry out, but be careful not to keep the soil too wet. The container should be well-drained.
* Pinch the impatiens back, especially indoors, to keep them from getting too lanky.
* Supplement with fluorescent lighting in the winter for optimum performance.
* Fertilize with a slow-release container fertilizer.
Consider grouping the two types of plants when planning your landscape next spring. Try Dipt in Wine coleus, with its wine-red foliage with bright green centres, grouped with Fiesta Ole Stardust Pink impatiens, with its double rose blossoms for an absolutely striking combination.
-- Canwest News Service
