Flower Borders for Shade

Violets

• There are hundreds of violet varieties, sometimes referred to as sweet violets, all of which make easy-care borders in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. Violets can be grown from seeds or bedding plants and will grow to a height of 6 to 8 inches. Blossom colors can range from the common purple to peach, white, lavender, yellow, pink, black and combinations of these colors. Violets will begin to bloom in the spring, then sporadically throughout the summer and into fall. Trimming back violets after the first bloom will promote more consistent summertime blooming. Violets work well for walkway and driveway shaded borders.

Lobelia

• Delicate, lace-like lobelia is often used as a border, especially in front of flower gardens. Lobelia can either be a hardy annual, growing in height 3 to 14 inches, but is more commonly under 6 inches high, or a hardy perennial, which grows taller at 12 to 24 inches. From deep blue and purple flowers to red or white, lobelia will bloom continuously from spring until fall, with lush dark green or red foliage, depending on the variety. The border can be trimmed for a more formal appearance or left to grow naturally.

Impatiens

• Colorful impatiens have long been a favorite of homeowners and are excellent border plants for shaded gardens, walkways and fences. Classified as an annual in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8, impatiens can be classified as perennials in zones 9 through 11. Impatiens generally grow to 10 to 12 inches in height, though some varieties can reach 24 inches. There is a wide range of flower color available in single, semi-double and double blossoms. Impatiens will bloom in a shaded environment from spring until fall.

Astilbe

• For taller borders in front of shrubs, fences or along driveways and paths, astilbe is a visually pleasing flowering plant. A hardy perennial in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, astilbe grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with bushy, lacy and delicate-looking dark-green foliage and feathery, soft-flowering plumes in shades of white, pink, red and lavender. Astilbe will bloom from early summer through mid-summer.