What colorful plants can I plant in a shaded area?

For annuals....Coleus,new guniea impatients,caladium,non-stop begonia.For perennials....Hosta,hechura,bleeding heart,lily of the valley,astilbes,ferns,Liriope,and sedge grass

Ive had success with Caladium and impatients.

Impatiens do very well in the shade and come in bright colors.

I have a geranium and some other plants that I don't know their names.

Janet has a great list. I would steer clear of Lily of the valley, though. It is my favorite flower but it spreads like crazy. I always have to work hard to keep it from overtaking my flower bed.

I read the tags when i go to my local gardening center. It tells you how much sun, water etc each plant needs. I have a shady spot where I plant impatience every year. I pick a different color every year. So pretty. Makes me happy.

Impatients and hostas.

Yes they absolutely can be planted in pots,just make sure the pot is 2x larger then the original one.