Five Shade-Loving Annuals

Here in Saskatchewan, our summer growing season is short. If you’re like me, you want to fill all the available space in your garden with bright flowers and abundant vegetables. Plenty of beautiful flowers love to take in the sun, but what of those shady, out of the way corners? 

Great news, because today we’ll discuss some luscious and unique annuals that tolerate or even thrive in the shade. Keep in mind, even plants that can do well in the shade require some sun, particularly in the afternoon. 

In order to keep your shade plants happy, ensure you don’t overwater them. Less sun means they go through the available water at a significantly slower pace than their sunny cousins. Supply them with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks or so during the growing season. And lastly, be sure not to plant too early, as shady ground can remain cold a lot later into the season. 

Impatiens

Impatiens are some of the most popular shade plants, known for their vibrant, tropical colours. Impatiens are ideal for shade containers. They come in a variety of forms, including single and double flowers, as well as smaller flowers that look like rosebuds. For versatility, keep an eye out for their sun-loving varieties, the sunpatiens. 

Begonia

Another favourite for shady beds and containers, begonias come in a wide variety of growth forms, with a range of stunning, colourful flowers. Some offer smaller, hanging flowers while others produce showstopping double blooms. Not to be confused with their tropical relatives, the annual begonias available here are some of the most reliably blooming flowers all season long.

Coleus

Unlike the others on this list, coleus aren’t prized for their flowers but their unique foliage. Although some varieties can flower, they are often removed to prioritize the growth of new leaves instead. They often produce leaves with vibrant shades of green, pink, burgundy, and yellow, with unique ruffled or serrated edges. Coleus work great as additions in baskets or containers. 

Fuschia

The unique flowers produced by fuschia make them a stand-out plant, and their ability to thrive in shady conditions solidify them as one to keep in your garden. Fuschia produce teardrop shaped flowers that can look like miniature lanterns, often in a range of pinks, purples, and whites. They’re prolific and flower all season long, and their nectar is great for attracting hummingbirds. 

Torenia

Sometimes referred to as the wishbone flower, torenia come in a range of vibrant colours. Although they can adapt to full sun, these plants prefer a mix of sun and shade, with a milder morning sun. Many varieties of torenia tend to trail, making them an excellent addition to containers and hanging baskets. And as a bonus, their flowers don’t require deadheading and will continue producing all season long. 

Although there are plenty of other annuals—and perennials—that do well in shade or partial shade, here are some of the ones you’ll find locally in Saskatchewan. These plants are acclimated to our zone, and will produce beautifully all summer long if properly cared for. 

Come check out the greenhouses at Floral Acres for all of your early season annuals, perennials, and vegetables, now open as of April 17th, 2026. We hope to see you soon!