Lamium maculatum (Spotted deadnettles)

Creeping myrtle has a reputation for being a tough evergreen ground cover for shade that will grow in almost any soil. Though the leaves of the species are a shiny dark green, the leaves of ‘Illumination’ are vividly splashed with a bright gold color. The 1-inch-wide periwinkle blue flowers that open against the brilliant foliage are a bonus. This plant makes for a striking ground-hugging mat and is also spectacular in hanging baskets.

A hardworking, compact perennial, ‘Etain’ violet blooms intermittently throughout spring, summer, and fall. It forms wellbehaved clumps, unlike other violets that are usually spreading ground covers. Like all violets, ‘Etain’ enjoys regular fertilizing, steady watering, and frequent deadheading. The attractive, fleshy, bright green foliage needs protection from slugs and can be cut back if it gets too leggy.

Serbian bellflowers have an easy, undemanding habit. Creating a stream of lavender blue, the 1-inch-diameter star-shaped blossoms bloom reliably from late spring to early fall. The foliage remains evergreen in mild winters and needs to be sheared only once in a while to keep its appearance tidy. 'Blue Waterfall' flows beautifully along bed edges and through rock gardens in full sun to partial shade.

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Heucheras have undergone a breeding revolution in the last decade, with dozens of new cultivars appearing in many combinations of foliage color. While all are pleasing foliage plants, the lighter-colored varieties, with leaves in the amber-to-gold range, seem better adapted to shade. The most popular of these shade-loving varieties is Dolce® Key Lime Pie, with bright gold–chartreuse leaves. This evergreen gem prefers excellent drainage and will light up a dark, shady area.