Plant Help!!!!!?

Question

What are some pretty, not so expensive plants to plant in a shaded area. I know almost nothing about planting... any help??
Oh Yeah... and how do you plant them??

I live in Spring Texas which is right outside of Houston

Answer 1

Petunias are pretty basic flowers, but right now is not the best time to start planting if you are in the US. Fall is ok to start with bulbs for the spring, in which you want daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinth, all pretty blooms. Irisis do ok, but planting them correctly is important so the roots don't get ruined over winter. They will double so you would want to be sure to give them space. These are just basics, fairly low maintenence, and easy to plant. Spacing is important, you don't want to overcrowd and you don't want bare spots.
About the only thing that is good in the fall for a flowering plant is the ever-popular mum. There are some others... but really your best bet is to go to the largest garden center in your area, and talk with someone there. They can give you the greatest ideas for easy stuff and will tell you exactly how to plant it. Look for a place that does have outdoor plants already started, do not go with seeds.
As for planting, get some miracle grow. Use the suggested mix, then add a little extra when first planting. Make your holes just a little bit deeper than what the roots of the plant are already at - in other words about 1/2 inch deeper than the planter they are packaged in. If the plant is dry, add some water and let it soak in, and pour some of the miracle grow mix into the hole, basically enough to cover the bottom. Place your plant in straight up, and start by packing the dirt you took out of the hole back in around your plant. Don't pack it in tightly, a little looseness to the dirt is good to encourage root growth. Finish filling in the hole until you reach the base of the plant. Add a bit more of the water/miracle grow mix around the base and your done. Make sure to space your plants about 2 inches apart, if its a smaller type, if its a fuller larger plant, give it the appropriate amount of space.
Shaded areas aren't going to dry out to quickly, but for the first week you want to make sure you keep your plant watered, morning is best for most plants. Never water in the middle of the day.
If you want to continue using the miracle grow, you only need it about once a week...maybe twice a month, depending on how well your plants are doing. Miracle grow doesn't just feed your plants, it also has the nitrogen your plants need and you don't want to overdo it and end up burning your plants. You don't know for sure how much your soil has.
For your dirt, be carefull. Potting soil outside is not a good idea. Make sure your soil is dark and rich looking. You will have more problems if its sandy or clayish. Before planting anything make sure the area you are planting in has good soil that is loose, as little clumping as possible, and you have tilled basically to about a 1 to 2 foot depth - for optimal growth.
If you wern't looking for that much work lol.....use pots! lol.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Hostas are great, also ferns, bleeding heart, Solomon's Seal, astilbe, toad lilies (Tricyrtis).

Okay, you may want to talk to a nursery employee about some of the above, I'm not sure how they'd do in Texas heat, particularly the moisture-loving astilbe.

This time of year, I'd suggest a real garden center, not a home improvement store- the summer takes its toll on plants, and a garden center knows how to keep them healthy.

With shade, sometimes the soil isn't as good- so dig a planting hole about 2x as wide as the plant's pot. Mix partly-decomposed shredded leaves in with the soil if you have them. Shade plants are usually pretty forgiving...

Answer 3

four o'clocks grow well in texas shade and act as a perennial b/c of our warm climate. they are beutiful but get to be about 3 foot and they are bushy. they also seed themselves and if you don't pick up the seeds you'll have them everywhere. morning glories also do well in texas shade.

Answer 4

impatiens - all varieties, angel wing begonia - many varieties, vinca, calla lillies, elephant ear, jasmine (caution: poisonous, but beautiful scent) There are lots and lots. (I would be happy to send you cuttings to start in water if you like and I have 4:00 seeds - magenta and white party pattern.)

as for planting, plunk em in the dirt and use miracle grow as brilliant ones have suggested.

Answer 5

Hosta's They will come back each year.

Answer 6

depends on where you live