Foliage Combo Edging a Shady Path

This tapestry of fantastic foliage is a collection of shade-loving ferns, grasses, and perennials. It's at its most lush and fresh in spring and wants regular moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun to look its best. Great plant combo to edge a path, as pictured here, or as a front-of-the border vignette to complement larger shrubs.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8
Exposure: Open Shade, Filtered Sun, Full Shade, Morning Sun, Part Shade
Water Needs: Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage
Focus: Color Theme, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance

Plants In this Combo

  • Adiantum venustum

    Himalayan maidenhair fern

    Type: Fern, Groundcover, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

    view plant
  • Athyrium otophorum

    Eared Lady Fern

    Type: Fern, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

    view plant
  • Carex siderosticha 'Shima nishiki'

    Island Brocade™ Sedge

    Type: Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

    view plant
  • Impatiens omeiana

    Hardy Impatiens

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

    view plant