Many plants with variegated leaves lose the richness of the variegation in the shade. A great example of popular perennials that maintain the bright contrast of greens, blue-greens, whites, yellows, golds and chartreuse on their foliage are the Hostas. Hostas have received a lot of attention recently and many wonderful cultivars have been selected; some with ruffled or crested leaves; greater striking color contrasts; wider range of foliage color; narrow, fine-textured leaf shape and increased sun tolerance.

With increased awareness of the value that native perennials add to the natural landscape, these native shade loving perennials will flourish in the landscape: lovely with variegated leaves are the Arrow-leaf Ginger, Wild Ginger, Black Snakeroot that form lush colonies in moist settings; Dutchman's Breeches and Bleeding Hearts are great for the natural, woodland garden; and White Wood Aster is one of the few asters that will tolerate shade, but flowers lavishly in late summer and Autumn if given morning sun.

Blooming perennial plants that flourish in shady areas may do equally well in wet soil, average moisture or dry conditions and can be grown in the grown or in decorative containers, window boxes or hanging baskets. Container gardening, with a mix of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses and tropicals are very popular because they are quick and easy to grow and look lovely all season.

As long as they aren't invasive, introduced or non-native perennials add so much to the landscape and would be missed if they weren't included. Garden favorites include: European Wild Ginger, Italian Arums have delightful bright colored flowers and abundant stalks of berries in the fall; Japanese Holly Fern has very glossy holly-like leaves; Japanese Painted Fern brighten the shady garden best if they can get some morning sun and several kinds of Lady's Mantle will form a thick ground cover in moist areas.

To view learn more about perennials that grow in full shade, please visit Virtual Plant Tags.