Foliage Combo for Shade Garden
Bold glossy foliage of Podophyllum pleianthum is the real attention grabber in this scene. Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'), is the little black grass that goes with everything. Pair it with silver, blue, yellow or green foliage in sun to shade � this is one flexible and tough grass! Delicate gunmetal silver foliage of Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is a nice complement to the black mondo grass. Carex siderosticha 'Island Brocade' covers shady ground with bright foliage. Somewhat hard to find in the nursery trade, grab it up if you find it. Also pairs wonderfully with bold, blue hosta. Protect from afternoon sun; the large foliage of Podophyllum burns easily in direct sunlight marring its appearance for the rest of the season.
Growing Conditions
Zone:
7,
8,
9
Exposure:
Open Shade,
Morning Sun,
Part Shade,
Full Shade
Water Needs:
Average
Design Considerations
Style:
Northwest Eclectic,
Woodland
Features:
Fabulous Foliage
Focus:
Small Space
Seasons of Interest:
Spring,
Summer,
Fall,
Three Seasons of Interest
Care and Maintenance
Maintenance Level:
medium
Plants In this Combo
-
Athyrium niponicum var. pictum
Japanese Painted Fern
Type: Fern, Perennial
view plant
Exposure: Full Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8 -
Carex siderosticha 'Shima nishiki'
Island Brocade™ Sedge
Type: Grass / Grass-Like, Perennial
view plant
Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8 -
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens'
Black Mondo Grass
Type: Grass / Grass-Like
view plant
Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 -
Podophyllum pleianthum
Chinese May Apple
Type: Perennial
view plant
Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Open Shade
Zone: 7, 8, 9