The deck has shady areas and I would like some color - other than just green like a fern - but I don't want impatiens / begonias. They drop their flowers and they are hard to clean up after. I would like something that can be in a planter or hanging basket. thanks

What about Caladium with some variegated ivy? You could always do some japanese painted ferns, hostas or huecherra in large containers.

Sorry I'm not much help.

Dahlia's do great in pots