Shade Annuals to Alternate with Hostas in a Long Flower Box

Best Shade Annuals for a 20-Ft Box with Hostas

Alternate hostas with these shade-tolerant annuals for continuous color:

Top Picks

• Impatiens (all types): Standard, New Guinea (upright, needs 2 hrs sun), Fanfare Cascading (larger flowers), Fusion Glow (yellow/peach).
• Begonias: Wax (neat, 6-pack), Tuberous (large showy flowers, messy drop), Angelwing (2 ft tall, pink flowers, great foliage), Rex (striking purple/silver leaves, no flowers).

Planting & Fertilizing

1. Dig in time-release fertilizer (Osmocote, Proven Winners) before planting.
2. Optionally mix in a handful of organic fertilizer (Plant-tone, Flower-tone).
3. Water well after planting; keep evenly moist.

Design Tip

Use taller Angelwing or New Guinea impatiens behind hostas, low wax begonias or standard impatiens in front for a layered look.