Covered Patio Container Gardening: 3.5 Hours Sun Limits Plant Choices

Morning-Sun-Only Patio: Shade Plant Palette and Container Strategy

7:00-10:30 AM sun = 3.5 hours = PART SHADE, not full sun. Most flowering plants need 6+ hours. Adjust expectations.

Container Recommendations

• Large plastic (not white — degrades). Lightweight, moisture-retentive.
• Premium potting mix (never garden soil)
• Drainage holes mandatory

Plants for 3.5 Hours Morning Sun

Reliable bloomers:

• Impatiens (walleriana or New Guinea)
• Begonias (tuberous, wax, dragon wing)
• Fuchsia (trailing for baskets)
• Torenia (wishbone flower)
• Browallia (amethyst flower)

Foliage stars:

• Coleus (endless varieties)
• Caladium (spring-planted tubers)
• Heuchera (coral bells)
• Ferns (Japanese painted, autumn)

Herbs that tolerate: Mint, parsley, chives, cilantro (cool season)

Design Strategy

Theme your pots (color, style). Group for impact. Ivy on walls. Hanging baskets with fuchsia/begonia. Accept: fewer flowers, more foliage. That's the shade garden trade.