Best Annuals for Full-Shade Window Boxes

For full-shade window boxes in Westport, MA, choose: tuberous or rex begonias (colorful flowers or striking foliage), caladiums (exotic pink-splashed leaves, available mid-June), impatiens (standard types bloom best in shade), ferns (varied textures from houseplant section), spider plants (variegated, cascading), and coleus (dramatic foliage colors).

Use fresh, loose potting soil and mix in time-release fertilizer (like Osmocote) plus organic fertilizer (Plant Tone) at planting. Time-release feeds through July; organic takes over after.