Dry shade performers
Dry, shady sites can pose a challenge for gardeners. Plants often compete with tree roots for water. Lamium maculatum is an attractive, spreading groundcover that provides a refreshing alternative to ivy and vinca. ‘White Nancy’, ‘Pink Pewter’, ‘Orchid Frost’ and ‘Beacon Silver’ all have green leaves with silvery-white variegation. ‘Golden Anniversary’ has dark green leaves with yellow edging. The plants have small flowers, but the foliage makes a big impact. Red epimedium is another charming perennial groundcover with heart-shaped green and maroon variegated leaves. Virginia creeper is a native, vining groundcover with pretty, red fall foliage. Other plants that perform well in dry shade include Christmas fern, sweet woodruff, hellebores (i.e., Lenten rose) and woodland aster.