What can I grow in a shaded area outside my breakfast window?

Go to a LOCAL nursery in your area and ask them what works.... in Southern CA there should be lots to choose from... they will be able to tell you.

Hosts do well. Any shade loving plant should work if watered properly.

If your area is under a water restriction, why not consider rock & mulch landscaping, adding potted plants for color which can be changed out with the seasons. Add a bench, birdbath, or small boulder for a focal point. Best of luck.

Thank you.

http://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/color-plants-for-shade#chocolate-drop-coleus

Hostas there are several varieties. Solid green, variegated stripe. They get a tall flower in the middle when they bloom? They do best in the shade. Hope this helps.

what part of So CA? Depends on weather. Azaleas, gardenias, hydrangeas.

Shade impatience

Ruellia- (check spelling) purple blooms and grow year round. Thrives on neglect in Southern California and anywhere else in almost any light conditions. Make sure it doesn’t take over your yard. We cut ours down in the winter and start over every year. It only dies if you pull it up and hummingbirds like it.

Any shade loving plants would do well, for example hostas. Go to a local nursery and look at the tabs on the plants, they will say full sun, partial sun, or shade. You could pick what you like best in the shade category.

If you want to use your computer and look around the internet to see what's out there, simply search for ' shade plants hardiness zone 10a ' That's why the emphasis on local. Each area has a hardiness zone that lets you know what plants will grow in that area. Yours is 10a. Here's some idea that I found

https://www.google.com/search?q=shade+area+plants+zone+10a&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZyfzCwvbWAhUGRCYKHeC8D2AQsxgIKQ&biw=1280&bih=643

Good luck!

Visit a local garden center (not a big box store). They usually have knowledgeable personnel who can help you select the right plants for your area. Let them know the amount of light and time of day it gets full sun.

Hi Judi, Hostas and petunias do well in shade. They both come in a lot of different sizes and colors. I'm in Illinois and those are two plants that do well in shade here. I agree with Marty about contacting your local nursery for advice. Another good source for advice would be agriculture department of colleges.

And consider calla lilies or canas. I also like the idea of a bench, or staircase plant stand so you can change the view from time to time. And you can't beat rose bushes on a trellis, either. Best wishes 😇💞