Re: shady annuals

Gill,

In line with the really colorful annuals, you might
also consider Iresine herbstii or Strobilanthus
dyeranus as other good shade annuals, or using
Plectranthus argentatus or P. zuluensis as die back in
winter tender perennials if you regularly freeze. 
Francoa sonchifolia is also very useful here in fairly
deep shade, and is as fast growing as many annuals,
enough to be considered for quick filler.

You don't say if the plants also have to be drought
tolerant...  If not, species Impatiens such as I.
balfourii or I. textori work really well as filler.  I
also like to use the perennial Sedum spectabile as
filler under such conditions.  Also perennial, but
great for shade is Meconopsis cambrica.  Another
perennial, but fast growing like an annual is Oxalis
spiralis var volcanicola, which can take limited water
in shade, and is virtually everblooming here. 
Calceolaria mexicana is another shade annual to
consider, and Senecio hybridus is also excellent. 
Among California natives, you could consider using,
(in light shade), Nemophila, Collinsia, or Mimulus
species.

Regarding groundcover under roses, Scaevola 'Mauve
Clusters', or Iberis sempervirens or several of the
Cheiranthus species ought to work well, or possibly 
dwarfer growing Dianthus varieties.

David Feix



		
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