Spring has arrived, and Floridians are enjoying their outdoor spaces more than ever. Retractable awning owners can spend their days under a shelter of comfort and protection and may be considering what flowering plants will thrive in those spaces as well. Here are a few tips to brighten your outdoor spaces this spring with flowers! 

Sun Exposure

When choosing plants for your shaded oasis you will likely see terms like full sun, full sun to partial shade, partial shade (part shade), dappled sun/shade, and full shade. These phrases refer to the level of sun exposure the plants will need to thrive. Under your retractable awning, it is best to choose plants that are flexible between partial shade, dappled sun/shade, and full shade. If you are growing flowers in hanging baskets or pots that are out on the perimeter of your awning you can opt for those flowers that are more strictly in the partial shade category, as these plants are likely receiving more sun exposure.

Flowers That Thrive in Shaded Florida Spaces

When choosing flowers to brighten up your outdoor shaded spaces, we recommend hardy plants that are easy to care for.  As with any plant, you want to be sure to follow the specific watering and fertilizing guidelines suggested for the plant when you are buying it. Here are a few flowering plants that will provide beautiful blooms under the comfort and protection of your awning. 

• Philodendrons are easy to care for and are known for their ability to thrive in a wide range of light conditions.

• Butterfly Iris plants can grow up to two feet tall and attract butterflies. 

• Pentas and Lantana both provide beautiful blooms, and are very low-maintenance, but may require a bit more sun exposure than others

• Calibrachoa flowers are often called “million bells.” They are in the petunia family and have lovely red, orange, purple, and white flowers that spill over the edge of containers. 

• Peace Lily flowers grow well in shaded areas. Their bright white blooms are striking, but be careful not to overwater. 

• Ornamental Gingers come in a wide variety. These low-maintenance flowers work well under awnings and shaded areas.

• Oakleaf Hydrangea is considered a shrub but has lovely white, red, yellow, and pink blooms.

• Crossandra also known as the“firecracker flower” adds a beautiful, tropical touch to your backyard garden.

• Begonias also come in a wide variety with blooms in white, red, pink, or lavender. 

Spring Into Comfort and Protection with Authority Home Solutions

At Authority Home Solutions, we are passionate about helping homeowners to love and enjoy their outdoor spaces. We provide the highest quality products and services to ensure that your awning provides durable protection from rain and damaging UV rays while adding value to your home. For the comfort, style, and protection of a retractable awning, storm protection, or Easyshades, look no further than Authority Home Solutions, Florida’s #1 awning provider and installer. We proudly serve the Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule your free demonstration.