For me the species grow very well in natural light. I.e, S. ionantha in a North window. If you like variegates, please consider the Optimara Victorian Charm series. I am re-growing Modesty (purple flowers) presently due to a near collapse of my original plant. There are only a handful of them and they are beautiful and easy to identify. Http://www.optimara.info

There are of course many other named variegated named varieties, but the majority of growers keep them under artificial lights to help maintain the beautiful foliage. The Buckeye and Cajun series are quite attractive but again most grow them under flourescent lights. Good luck!

I cant really speak on this as all mine are under lights. I think if you want variegation then the Optimara series mentioned would be the way to go since they are so hearty. All of mine with variegation are pretty fussy and cant imagine they would do well in natural light.

I grow only in natural light. What will grow well for you will depend on your conditions. Some of my favorites are:

Ma's Second Thoughts from the Violet Barn, a relatively compact standard with great variegation:

Mac's Scorching Sun. a bright coral semi-mini I got from Lyndon Lyon. It has intense variegation in the winter, somewhat less in summer:

Ethel's Wild Side, a bright coral standard, with gold crown variegation. I just love the juicy color on this one. It just glows in the sunlight:. You can't see it in the photo, but but the flowers have purple fantasy spots.

A couple without variegation that do well for me are East Wind, a compact standard, with extremely long lasting flowers:

Playful Spectrum, another standard:

As has been suggested, try 2 or 3. Most of Ma's standards at the Violet Barn have leaf variegation, and many of Rob's minis and semi-minis also have variegation, if that's your primary goal, and they could do very well for you. Good luck!

Judy -

Ethel's Wild Side - should have blue fantasy on coral. Otherwise - you do amazing job on your windowsills.

Thanks Irina. I think I'm just lucky that the light seems to be just right. I also pay attention to every plant every day. They seem to like the attention :))!!