Five low-maintenance plants for shady spots

Japanese painted fern
(Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’)
This colourful fern is one of those plants that gets along with just about everyone, brightening a shady area and making almost every other plant around it look better. No wonder it is a must-have for the shade garden.

Solomon's seal
(Polygonatum commutatum)
Solomon's seal adds grace to the garden. It can be featured as an accent or woodland plant, or used as a cut flower.

Epimedium
Red (rubrum), yellow (sulphureum) and white (niveum)
Not only does this perennial form a lovely carpet of interesting leaves, but the flowers can work with many themes.

Paperbark maples
Acer griseum
This attractive tree can be the ornamental focal point of a garden and it provides interest year-round.

Maidenhair fern
Adiantum pedatum
The maidenhair fern adds bright green foliage as well as texture to the garden.

Read more in Gardens and Shade Gardens