Green on Green Shades of Foliage for Part Sun

This quiet, green-on-green, plant combination exudes calm and is easy on the eyes. Fine-textured Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ creates a dark evergreen backdrop that makes the bold, quasi-tropical foliage of Schefflera delavayi pop. At mid-level and covering the ground, glossy Mount Vernon laurel and clumps of our PNW sword fern (Polystichum munitum) knit a durable carpet that’s remarkably tough once established. From spring into fall, Hosta ‘Sagae’ adds luminous variegation and showy flowers. The panicles on the hydrangea change through the season—opening greenish white, shifting to creamy ivory, and finally blushing pink to burgundy as fall arrives.

Placement
Backdrop: Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ as a clipped low hedge or backdrop; Schefflera delavayi as the arching, umbrella-like foliage overhead.
Ground-covering Mid-Layer: Mount Vernon laurel massed for glossy continuity with clumps of sword fern woven through.
Accent: Hosta ‘Sagae’ as a bold foliage highlight with midsummer blooms.

Light
Part sun to bright open shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.

Water
Even moisture to establish; thereafter, this combo is fairly drought tolerant in the PNW, needing only occasional deep watering during prolonged summer dry spells.

Care and tidy-up
Hosta: Deadhead after bloom to keep it looking good.
Panicle hydrangea: Prune in late winter or early spring (blooms on new wood).
Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’: Lightly shear or hand-clip as needed to maintain desired size and outline.
Sword fern: Remove tired fronds in late winter before new croziers emerge.

Easy and elegant with real staying power, this planting earns its keep in front yards and other spots you see year-round thanks to its strong winter presence and subtle seasonal color shifts.


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: Northwest Eclectic, Woodland, Asian Influenced
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Four Season Appeal, Harmonious Colors, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Winter Interest
Focus: Color Theme, Mixed Border, Privacy and Screening, Year-round Interest
Seasons of Interest: Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Landscape Crew Friendly, Deadheading



Plants In this Combo

  • Hosta 'Sagae'

    Sagae Hosta

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

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  • Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

    Panicle Hydrangea

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

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  • Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

    Convex-leaf Japanese holly

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

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  • Polystichum munitum

    Western Sword Fern

    Type: Fern, Groundcover
    Exposure: Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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  • Prunus laurocerasus 'Mount Vernon'

    Dwarf English Laurel

    Type: Groundcover, Shrub
    Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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  • Schefflera delavayi

    Hardy Schefflera

    Type: Shrub
    Exposure: Full Shade, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade
    Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

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