Plant Combination for Shade

Foliage reigns supreme in this plant combination for a shady garden spot and carries the show year-round, or nearly so. In harsh winters, the bear breeches may die back to the ground. Not to worry, it will revive in the spring and regrow, unharmed. In summer, the upward thrusting spires of the vibrantly colored Astilbe ‘Vision in Red’ provide a welcome burst of color. But the main attraction of this foliage vignette are the large, glossy chartreuse leaves of Acanthus ‘Hollard’s Gold’. They brighten the shadows and provide a touch of drama. When paired with the delicate swaying fronds of the fern, Polystichum setiferum, they provide an engaging textural contrast. The ground-hugging, politely-colonizing, evergreen fern creates a carpet around the base of it all.


Growing Conditions

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

Design Considerations

Style: Northwest Eclectic, Woodland, City and Courtyard
Features: Fabulous Foliage, Low Maintenance, Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form
Focus: Mixed Border, Small Space
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Deadheading



Plants In this Combo