A shady container does not have to be a left in the dark. There are plenty of shade loving plants that will brighten a shady spot, without flowers.
Why not try green foliage plants. You won't have to worry that your containers look life-less when somethings not in bloom
There are many shades of green and just as many textures to be played with
There's no reason to be afraid of the shade, not when there's green around
The color green, this we like