For color and texture in the shade you cant beat a combination in Jim Gersbachs Northeast Portland garden of Astilbe chinensis Pumila, hardy Fuchsia magellanica gracilis Variegata and Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum Pictum).
Astilbe lend a refined grace to perennial borders. Perfect for the shade garden along with Hostas and Ferns. Lush deeply cut foliage is attractive for the entire season and is colored from green to bronze. Effective anywhere with rich moist soil and partial shade. blooms early summer
The color and texture of Japanese Painted ferns makes it one of my favorite in the shade garden. The fronds seem to glow in the shade and attract your eye down to take in the beauty of this hardy a…
Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina A lovely perennial fern. Needs a sheltered site that is not sunny. Part to full shade. Grows 24-36 inches tall, 24-30 inches wide. Cold zones 4-8.
Hosta are the ideal foundation plants for a shade garden. Their variations in color and texture play well with companions like heuchera and hardy ferns. Read more on hosta and friends at The Home Depots Garden Club.
