Living in the city doesn't mean you have to give up on gardening. If your balcony, fire escape, or patio is blessed with mostly shade, a vibrant and lush planter box is still well within reach. The key is selecting the right plants that not only survive but truly thrive in lower light conditions. Here are some of the best performers for your urban shade garden.
For reliable foliage and texture, look to plants like Heuchera (Coral Bells), which offers a stunning array of leaf colors from lime green to deep purple. Hostas are another classic choice, prized for their large, elegant, and often variegated leaves. For a trailing element that softens the edges of your planter, English Ivy and Creeping Jenny are virtually foolproof, spilling over the sides with beautiful greenery.
Don't forget about flowers! Impatiens are the quintessential shade annual, providing a non-stop burst of color from spring until the first frost. Begonias, especially the fibrous and tuberous varieties, offer beautiful blooms and interesting leaves in a range of hues. For a more delicate look, Lobelia produces a cascade of tiny blue, white, or purple flowers.
If you'd like to grow something edible, several herbs tolerate shade quite well. Mint is an excellent option, but it's best grown in its own container as it can be invasive. Parsley and chives will also grow reasonably well with a few hours of morning sun or dappled light throughout the day.
When planting your shade planter box, ensure it has adequate drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and consider incorporating water-retaining crystals to help maintain consistent moisture, as soil in containers dries out faster. With the right plant selections and a little care, your shady urban oasis will be the envy of the neighborhood.