Foliage First Perennial Combo for Shade

Spring blooms of the Brunnera and Heucherella are appreciated, but not essential to the success of this foliage-based, ground-covering tapestry of perennials. In summer, the hosta's upright panicles of bloom are visited by bees and butterflies. But the true merit of this vignette lies in the pleasing array of silver, blue, and cinnamon foliage of varied size and texture from spring until killing frost. A low-growing fringe of finely-textured grass provides an all-season footlight with its white variegated foliage.


Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Open Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Part Shade
Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Design Considerations

Style: Cottage, Woodland
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium



Plants In this Combo

  • Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

    Variegated Siberian Bugloss

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Carex conica 'Snowline'

    Snowline Carex
    Carex conica 'Hime Kan-Suge'

    Type: Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
    Exposure: Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Heucherella 'Sweet Tea'

    Sweet Tea Foamy Bells

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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  • Hosta 'Halcyon'

    Halcyon Hosta

    Type: Perennial
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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