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| Photo Credit: Lane Greer |
| The bright foliage of Heuchera is accented by contrasting vein colors in the leaves. |
While most perennials are sun worshipers and love the heat, the fact is that established landscapes with majestic trees often have more shade than sun. When I was on the hunt for shade-loving perennials to add to my own garden, it didn’t take me long to find what I was looking for. I settled on three plants perfect for growing in my Southeast shade: Hosta, Heuchera and Helleborus.
Hosta is a traditional favorite in the Southeast (and beyond), and it’s so easy to grow. Some homeowners feel that the plant’s “too common” for them, but don’t be too fast to dismiss it from your garden! These perennials come in many foliage colors, textures and sizes (some reaching up to 30 inches wide). And some avid gardeners collect them all. | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Lane Greer | | Though green-and-white variegated hostas are quite popular, many gardeners are attracted to the more distinctive blue-gray varieties. |
The most common hosta types are the green-and-white variegated varieties. But you might try seeking out hostas with striking blue-gray or lime-colored foliage, too. No matter which hosta you go with, it’ll look great by itself or with just about any color or plant combo!
While hostas are known for their lovely leaves, they do have flowers, too. In late spring and summer, the trumpet-shaped flowers bloom along a tall spike, and each plant grows more than one. Flower color can range from white to a deep purple, depending on the hosta you grow.
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