| which flowers would be the best to plant in a partially shaded area? the sun shines down on the area at about 3 pm. |
| When sun hits an area at the peak of the summer afternoon's heat, it can take some experimenting to find the best plants. Here are some perennials to consider: hosta (available in many foliage colors and textures and some are fragrant in bloom), spiderwort, violas, ajuga, lamium, perennial geranium, plumbago; here are some annuals: bedding begonias, caladium, sweet alyssum, petunias, ageratum, and the blue salvia "Victoria". To maximize their performance, be sure to prepare the soil well by adding ample amounts of organic matter such as compost, rotted leaves, or aged stable manure and bedding, and also use several inches of organic mulch such as shredded bark to help keep the soil cool and evenly moist. Remember too that a deep watering occasionally is better than a daily light sprinkling. |
