(Canadian Wild Ginger)

By far one of the best native herbaceous groundcovers for shade, Canadian wild ginger creates a lush, thick mat of heart-shaped leaves that shine from spring to fall. This very hardy woodland wildflower exists in fertile hardwood forests across the whole of eastern North America. As its common name suggests, its long, somewhat fleshy roots have a pungent, ginger-like taste and were valued for food and medicine by both Native Americans and early colonists. In some parts of eastern Canada they still...

(European Wild Ginger)

European wild ginger is an evergreen perennial native to Western Europe. It is grown for its attractive foliage as a groundcover. The hairy stalks give rise to lustrous, dark green leaves and inconspicuous, bell-shaped, greenish-purple or brown flowers that bloom in late spring.

European wild ginger performs best in partial to full shade in acidic or neutral soil. It can also be used in a woodland garden or at the edge of a shady border. Although not related to the culinary ginger the roots...

(Chinese Wild Ginger)

Spreading to form lush colonies of large silver-splotched evergreen leaves, this low-growing hardy perennial from China is an excellent choice for the woodland garden. The shiny dark green arrowhead-shaped leaves arise from short rhizomes which travel underground, creating an ever-expanding mass of foliage. The leaves typically have two longitudinal bands of silvery splotches. Foliage remains evergreen in zones 7 and up. Chubby cup-shaped purple flowers with pale spotting cluster at the base of the...

(Cast Iron Plant)

Cast iron plant, a native of China, is an evergreen perennial known for its ability to withstand deep shade. Its upright glossy, blade-like leaves are dark green or variegated. The coarse foliage produces a bold, tropical effect year-round in warm climates or as a houseplant in cold climates.

Plant cast iron plant as a groundcover in deep shade in fertile, well drained, sandy soils. Though it thrives on neglect, water and fertilize regularly in the summer growing season for spectacular results....

(Cast Iron Plant, Striped Cast Iron Plant)

Cast iron plant, a native of China, is an evergreen perennial known for its ability to withstand deep shade. Its upright glossy, blade-like leaves are dark green or variegated. The coarse foliage produces a bold, tropical effect year-round in warm climates or as a houseplant in cold climates.

Plant cast iron plant as a groundcover in deep shade in fertile, well drained, sandy soils. Though it thrives on neglect, water and fertilize regularly in the summer growing season for spectacular results....

(Cast Iron Plant, Stars and Stripes Cast Iron Plant)

Cast iron plant, a native of China, is an evergreen perennial known for its ability to withstand deep shade. Its upright glossy, blade-like leaves are dark green or variegated. The coarse foliage produces a bold, tropical effect year-round in warm climates or as a houseplant in cold climates.

Plant cast iron plant as a groundcover in deep shade in fertile, well drained, sandy soils. Though it thrives on neglect, water and fertilize regularly in the summer growing season for spectacular results....

(Cast Iron Plant, Variegated Cast Iron Plant)

Variegated cast iron plant is an evergreen perennial with upright blade-like, glossy, dark green leaves with cream-white striations. Its coarse foliage produces a bold, tropical effect year-round in warm climates or as a houseplant in cold climates.

Plant outdoors as a groundcover in deep shade in average, well drained, sandy soils or indoors in containers. Water and fertilize regularly in the summer growing season. Over-fertilization leads to diminished leaf variegation.

(Aster, Daydream Aster)

This stunning hybrid aster displays a profusion of cool, lavender-blue daisies atop strong, compact plants that will not collapse after heavy rains or irrigation. In cooler weather, the flowers fade to paler blue around the bright yellow centers, creating an appealing “halo” effect. They bloom in late summer to early fall, and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Provide this perennial with full to part sun and moist, fertile, well-drained soil. As with other asters, ‘Daydream’ is excellent...

(Aster, Melody Hardy Aster)

This patented hybrid aster cools the late summer to early fall garden with a profusion of semi-double, lavender-blue daisies. The yellow-centered blossoms are borne atop strong, tidy, vigorous clumps of fine, deep green foliage, and are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Grow this lovely perennial in full to part sun and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil. If desired, plants may be divided in spring every few years. The smaller size of ‘Melody’ makes it an excellent choice for...

(Aster, Believer Hardy Aster)

This beautiful aster decorates the garden with low, broad drifts of rich, deep purple daisies in very late summer to early autumn. A patented hybrid, ‘Yobeliever’ was introduced by Yoder Brothers, Inc. and is marketed under the name ‘Believer’. Its vivid flowers are displayed on strong, compact, wide-spreading plants, and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

Provide this perennial with full to part sun and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil. If desired, clumps may be divided...