Name: Farfugium japonicum ‘Giganteum’ (syn. Ligularia tussilaginea ‘Giganteum’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10

Size: 20 inches tall and 3 feet wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil

This species is native to Asia, growing along stream beds and moist areas. The common name, leopard plant, comes from the fact that some cultivars have yellow spots of variegation on the leaves. The variegated cultivars are used to brighten deep shade areas. What makes ‘Giganteum’ so appealing is the huge, glossy green leaves, up to 15 inches across. This plant can grow in shade, giving the appearance of coolness on the hottest days of our Southern Plains summers. In fall, it will produce large spikes of bright yellow flowers. Give it a try—it always catches the eye of visitors.

2. Chinese Wild Ginger

Name: Asarum splendens

Zones: 6 to 9

Size: 8 inches tall and 1 foot wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; neutral to alkaline soil

It always seems that when it comes to evergreen ground cover in the Southern Plains, choices are limited to a few tried-and-true species. Here is a great addition to that list: Chinese wild ginger. This plant has beautiful dark green, mottled leaves that make you think they are cut from green marble. The rhizomatous plants spread quickly to fill a large area with this low-level foliage. They are cold hardy to single digits and don’t seem to notice the ovenlike temperatures of July and August.

3. Gold Dust Japanese Laurel

Name: Aucuba japonica ’Variegata’

Zones: 6 to 10

Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 5 to 7 feet wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; well-drained soil; extremely drought tolerant

Gold dust Japanese laurel will brighten the darkest areas of your shaded gardens. Native to Asia, it can be pruned and shaped with no concern for the plant. Left alone, it can grow large. The yellow variegation sprinkled across dark green, shiny leaves will make this plant a focal point. It can tolerate extreme temperatures and is basically droughtproof. Female plants will have fruit if a male plant is nearby. This plant is known to be easy to root. Take a cutting and stick it in a vase with water and roots will form quickly.

4. Spreading Japanese Plum Yew

Name: Cephalotaxus harringtonia ‘Prostrata’

Zones: 5 to 9

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained soil

Japanese plum yews are great in the Southern Plains because of the predominantly alkaline soils and the short list of conifers that will grow in the region. ‘Prostrata’ is a low-growing cultivar that is tolerant of deep shade, heat, and drought. It makes an excellent low hedge and works well for filling in under trees or massed on the shady side of buildings. If you want a problem-free, low-growing evergreen shrub for your deepest shade areas, you can’t go wrong with this plant.