It's not just about the flowers when it comes to selecting perennials
for the landscape.
The purple leaves of this bugbane (actaea, formerly cimicifuga)
hold its place in the shade garden until the white flowers appear in fall. Try combining with purple and pink flowered
perennials.
Lady's mantle is enhanced by the early morning dew or after a
rainfall when the water beads up and glistens in the sun. Shade from the hot afternoon sun will help
prevent leaf browning.
The silver and red
highlights of Japanese painted fern make it a standout in the shade. The delicate fronds contrast nicely with the
bold leaves of hostas.
The bronze tinged foliage of copper king hardy hibiscus serve as a
focal point and unifying feature. And
the flowers of knautia and rudbeckia as well as the seed heads of
Karl Foerster feather reed grass echo its impact.
Include some annuals with unique foliage color. Black velvet geranium's (pelargonium) nearly black leaves make the pink, scarlet, rose,
coral and salmon flowers pop. Or
combine purple ruffles basil with yellow calendula, zinnia and marigolds for a
focal point in a container or flowerbed.
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