Awnings can provide you with additional outdoor space and protect you from the harsh rays of the sun or inclement weather. There is nothing more enjoyable than going out to your patio and deck with a good book or drink in hand and enjoy the scenery that surrounds you, under the protection of an awning.
However, with all of the benefits that an awning provides, you’ve created a space that has significantly increased your amount of shade. The benefits of protection can also be problematic for a homeowner who wants to be surrounded by a lush garden, but not all is lost because there is a solution that gives you the benefit of both.
Beautify Your Awning Area
Many properties have shaded areas that homeowners might struggle with when selecting plants that do well in such conditions, and awnings are no different. In this case, you just have to spend a bit of time researching to determine your best course of action for creating a seasonal environment of beauty. You may decide to plant a container garden in the shade or you may want to go the route of shade loving annuals, perennials or a combination of all three.
Here are 25 container plants that will do well in shadier container gardens and here are some tips about planting on a shady patio, deck or balcony “Tips for 4 Types of Shady Balcony Sites”.
Vines like Jacob’s ladder and English ivy can make great fillers for your pots as well as some ornamental grass that will tolerate low levels of sunshine. There are also many varieties of Hostas that you can choose among at your local nursery that will fit your awning space nicely. You might want to consider a Lily such as the flax, peace and bush lilies that tolerate shade well and are low maintenance. Many of the perennials that will love your awning shade are foliage greens like ferns. They require little sunlight and spread each year filling in the spaces in your gardens.
If none of the above appeals to your senses, here is a list of the top 25 shade plants that will add enjoyment and beauty to your awning area.
Shade Plants:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum floribundum)
- Bush lily (Clivia miniata)
- Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’)
- Primrose (Oenothera speciosa)
- Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
- Meadowsweet (Astilbe spp.)
- Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica)
- Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)
- Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
- Flax lily (Dionella spp.)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Coleus (Solenostemon spp.)
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
- Impatiens species
- Variegated ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea ‘Variegata’)
- Variegated lily turf (Liriope muscari)
- Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly classified as Dicentra spectabilis)
- Hosta (Hosta plantaginea)
- Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
- Jumpseed (Persicaria virginata)
- Japanese anemone (Anemone hybrida)
- Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
- Leopard plant (Ligularia spp.)
- Many types of ferns
Whatever plants you decide upon for beautifying your outdoor space in, around or under your awning, a little ingenuity and a bit of creativity will provide you with the space that you desire.
If your home is lacking an Awning and you’re interested in installing one for your home, contact us today and our team of experts will be ready to help.