Hosta 'Guacamole' (Hosta)

There is seldom seen a more graceful shade plant than variegated Solomon’s seal. Narrow, pure white streaks are artfully painted along the margins of the leaves, which appear on arched burgundy stems. This plant has three-season appeal, with striking foliage in the spring; fragrant, bell-like white blooms in May and June; and a brilliant golden hue in fall. This plant forms large colonies of long, arching, 2- to 3-foot-tall stems of soft green leaves edged in creamy white. From late spring to early summer, this species bears white flowers that mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns yellow. 

‘Autumn Bride’ is one of the best cultivars of the species H. villosa. The large, fuzzy, gray-green leaves set this one apart from all of the others. The midsummer white flowers are also attractive. This heuchera is tolerant of full sun but prefers partial shade, especially in the afternoon.

Hostas are the first plants to come to mind when shade tolerance is required, but not all of them can take the heat in our region. ‘Patriot’ has proven to be one of the toughest, and its white margins and relatively large leaves make it a beacon of brightness in the shade. As a bonus, it will flower in midsummer with lavender trumpets on tall spikes.

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'June' hosta has bluish leaves with irregularly shaped creamy gold centers. Pale lavender flowers bloom in late summer on 20-inch spikes. This medium-sized plant is a standout in shade or woodland gardens. It was the American Hosta Growers Association "Hosta of the Year 2001".