Episode 75: Variegated for Shade

Shade , loosely speaking , can be dark , dreary , and unmanageable to garden in . It ’s hard enough finding a plant that requires not all that much sun , let alone one that has light discolor to its foliage . But these rare birds are all important to making a good shade garden truly great . Plants with white , silver , or even idle green diversification brighten up the dimmest of spots and straightaway get elevated to focal - tip condition . Have you always thought your shade was lacking something ? Chances are that it ’s some variegation , and this episode has pot of options to pick from .

Expert testimony : Susan Calhoun , possessor of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge , Washington

Steve’s plants

‘ Frances Williams ’ hosta ( Hosta‘Frances Williams ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Alexander ’s corking ’ brunnera ( Brunnera macrophylla‘Alexander ’s Great ’ , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Beatlemania ’ sedge ( Carex caryophyllea‘Beatlemania ’ , Zones 5–8 )

‘ Byakko ’ Solomon ’s seal ( Polygonatum odoratum‘Byakko ’ , Zones 4–9 )

Danielle’s plants

‘ Spot On ’ lungwort ( Pulmonaria‘Spot On ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Sno Cone ’ lily sward ( Liriope muscari‘Sno Cone ’ , Zones 6–9 )

‘ Argentum ’ Panthera pardus flora ( Farfugium japonicum‘Argentum ’ , Zones 7b–10 )

metal begonia ( Begonia aconitifolia , Zones 10–11 )

Expert’s plants

Variegated brunnera ( Brunnera macrophylla‘Variegata ’ , Zones 3–8 )

‘ Fragrant Splash ’ hydrangea ( Hydrangea scandens‘Fragrant Splash ’ , Zones 7–10 )

fortunate lamium ( Lamium maculatum‘Aureum ’ , Zones 3–9 )

‘ Ice Storm ’ impatiens ( Impatiens omieana‘Ice Storm ’ , Zones 7–9 )

Expert testimonial : Susan Calhoun , possessor of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge , Washington

photograph : Doreen Wynja

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