Grow a mosaic of foliage in shade
Despite having almost no flowers, this combination is loaded with color and variety. The white-splashed foliage of Chinese fairy bells anchors both sides of the bed, while flashes of chartreuse offer continuity. At the same time, broad hosta leaves, fernlike dog fennel and fine-bladed hakonechloa and Taiwan mondo grass come together to create a collage of texture.
These plants grow best in part to full shade and evenly moist conditions.
Growing tips
Chinese fairy bells and Chinese wild ginger spread by rhizomes, while hakonechloa and Taiwan mondo grass form clumps that slowly expand. Let them grow together in a seamless carpet of ground covers that will inhibit weeds while keeping each other’s growth in check. In spring, trim out winter-damaged foliage or shear off at ground level.
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Foliage-focused shade garden plant list
A) Chinese fairy bells Disporum cantoniense ‘Moonlight’
Perennial; white flower clusters in late spring to early summer above stems of small variegated green leaves streaked white with a pink blush; part to full shade; 18 to 24 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9
B) Hosta Hosta ‘Brother Stefan’
Perennial; white flower spikes in late spring to early summer over puckered green leaves with golden yellow centers; part to full shade; 20 to 22 in. tall, 24 in. tall in bloom, 30 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8
C) Chinese wild ginger Asarum splendens
Perennial; inconspicuous purple flowers in early spring are hidden around the base of showy, heart-shaped silver-splashed leaves; part to full shade; 6 to 9 in. tall, 9 to 12 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9
D) Hakonechloa Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’
Perennial; yellow-green flowers age to tan in midsummer atop grassy, bright chartreuse foliage; part to full shade; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9
E) Dog fennel Eupatorium capillifolium ‘Elegant Feather’
Perennial; sterile, insignificant white fall flowers top feathery green
foliage that turns red before frost; full sun to part shade; 3 to 6 ft. tall, 1 to 3 ft. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9
F) Taiwan mondo grass Ophiopogon formosanus
Perennial; white flowers in summer followed by blue fruit over light green grassy foliage; part to full shade; 4 to 6 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9
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