Mid-Atlantic

‘Brilliance’ autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora ‘Brilliance’)

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9

Size: 22 inches tall and 18 inches wide

Conditions: Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil

‘Brilliance’ is an improved form of autumn fern. Still semievergreen, with great texture and even more color, ‘Brilliance’ offers bright copper new growth in spring that turns green in summer and russet in fall. This tough fern reliably rebounds from snow cover and stands up to cold winds. Once established, ‘Brilliance’ requires little care, though I do cut back the old fronds in early spring to better enjoy the newly emerging fronds.

‘Silver Sceptre’ sedge (Carex morrowii ‘Silver Sceptre’)

Zones: 5 to 9

Size: 1 foot tall and 18 inches wide

Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

This finely textured, fountain-shaped semievergreen grass lends an elegant and bright accent to a shady spot. ‘Silver Sceptre’ sedge is not fussy and spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a ground cover in moderately moist soil. I like to plant it in drifts along a shady path, under the canopy of a ‘Waterfall’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum* ‘Waterfall’, Zones 5–8), or next to a water feature, where its fountainlike shape mimics the flow of water. This sedge only needs to be cut back by two-thirds in early spring to get it ready for new growth.

Bigroot geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum and cvs.)

Zones: 4 to 8

Size: Up to 20 inches tall and 2 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

This hardy geranium is great for dry-shade situations. It spreads quickly by rhizomes to form a dense, weed-smothering ground cover that’s good for massing around trees or edging a shade border. Bigroot geranium is reliably hardy after cold winters, and it also takes the heat of our summers when grown in shade. Once established, sharing this easy-care plant with friends is a breeze: A gentle tug releases not only a delicious scent but also a side rhizome that is ready to replant in a new garden.