Favorite Shade Plants

Red spurge (Euphorbia x martinii). This evergreen shrub/perennial has narrow, lanceolate foliage infused with red-purple on new growth. The cultivar 'Red Martin' has especially brilliant maroon foliage and stems. In spring, the plant bears chartreuse floral bracts. This particular hybrid is a cross between Euphorbia amygdaloides and Euphorbia characias). The plant is 24 inches tall by 20 inches wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10.
How to use it: In a border or as a focal point for the winter garden.
Cultivation: Plant in well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Poor to medium fertile soil is best. Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and promote new red growth.
Source: Joy Creek Nursery
The form 'Red Martin' is available from Digging Dog Nursery

Variegated Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla 'Hadspen Cream'). Growing to 12 inches, this false forget-me-not has large, heart-shaped medium green leaves that develop a wide, irregular edge of creamy yellow. In spring, tiny, sky blue forget-me-not type flowers appear above the foliage. The plant has a mounding habit and is hardy from USDA Zones 3 to 7. 'Hadspen Cream' is a herbaceous perennial.
How to use it: Mix with hostas and ferns in a woodland garden. Brighten a dark spot with the variegated green and cream foliage.
Cultivation: Plant in part shade in woodland soil that is well-drained.
Source: Forestfarm Nursery

Chinese indigo (Indigofera kirilowii). This small shrub (18 inches high) has pea like foliage and six inch long racemes of pink flowers that resemble wisteria. The clusters of flowers cascade from the stems in mid-spring to early summer. Hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8, Indigofera kirilowii is native to northern China and Korea and was introduced to this country in 1899.
How to use it: In a perennial border. It can be thought of as a low, tough shrub in warmer areas and a herbaceous perennial further north.
Cultivation: Plant in filtered to full sun in well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Indigofera kirilowii grows from a rhizome but is not as invasive as other forms of the genus.
Source: Bloom River Gardens