Shade, generally speaking, can be dark, dreary, and difficult to garden in. It’s hard enough finding a plant that requires not all that much sunlight, let alone one that has light coloring to its foliage. But these rare birds are essential to making a good shade garden truly great. Plants with white, silver, or even light green variegation brighten up the dimmest of spots and instantly get elevated to focal-point status. Have you always thought your shade was lacking something? Chances are that it’s some variegation, and this episode has plenty of options to pick from.

Expert testimony: Susan Calhoun, owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge, Washington

Steve’s plants

‘Frances Williams’ hosta (Hosta ‘Frances Williams’, Zones 3–9)

‘Alexander’s Great’ brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexander’s Great’, Zones 3–8)

‘Beatlemania’ sedge (Carex caryophyllea ‘Beatlemania’, Zones 5–8)

‘Byakko’ Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Byakko’, Zones 4–9)

Danielle’s plants

‘Spot On’ lungwort (Pulmonaria ‘Spot On’, Zones 3–9)

‘Sno Cone’ lily turf (Liriope muscari ‘Sno Cone’, Zones 6–9)

‘Argentum’ leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum ‘Argentum’, Zones 7b–10)

Metallic begonia (Begonia aconitifolia, Zones 10–11)

Expert’s plants

Variegated brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Variegata’, Zones 3–8)

‘Fragrant Splash’ hydrangea  (Hydrangea scandens ‘Fragrant Splash’, Zones 7–10)

Golden lamium (Lamium maculatum ‘Aureum’, Zones 3–9)

‘Ice Storm’ impatiens (Impatiens omieana ‘Ice Storm’, Zones 7–9)

Expert’s plants

Expert testimony: Susan Calhoun, owner of Plantswoman Design in Bainbridge, Washington

Photo: Doreen Wynja