Groundcovers with Unique Foliage
Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'
Deciduous groundcover with foliage splashed in green, cream, pink, and red and small white summer flowers. Grows 8 to 18 inches tall. Ideal for moist borders, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings. Zones: 5 to 9.
Groundcovers with unique foliage provide lasting interest beyond their flowers, bringing distinctive colors, textures, and leaf shapes to the landscape throughout the growing season. From silver and burgundy tones to variegated patterns and finely textured leaves, these plants add contrast and depth while helping cover soil and unify plantings. Whether used to brighten shaded areas, complement flowering perennials, or create visual interest along pathways and borders, foliage-focused groundcovers contribute character and texture that can be appreciated long after the blooms have faded.
DEADNETTLE (Lamium)
01
Highlights ►
6 to 8 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Semi-evergreen
Flowers
Fast spread
Mat forming
Silver foliage
Deadnettles brighten shaded corners with colorful foliage and scattered blooms, creating a textured understory beneath shrubs and trees. Lamium maculatum 'Orchid Frost' combines silvery leaves with lavender-pink flowers, while Lamium maculatum ‘Anne Greenaway’ adds cream-edged foliage touched with soft green and yellow tones. Lamium maculatum ‘Beacon Silver’ (shown here) contributes soft pink blooms with broad silver leaves that catch available light and help illuminate darker areas. Their spreading habit weaves between neighboring plants, creating a patchwork of color and texture throughout the growing season.
Light-catching foliage gives deadnettles a distinctive presence beneath trees and shrubs. They pair beautifully with hostas, pulmonarias, and hardy ferns, adding contrast and visual depth to woodland-inspired plantings and shaded garden pathways.
TRADESCANTIA
02
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6 to 12 in tall
18 to 36 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Fast spread
Trailing habit
Striped foliage
Tradescantias are appreciated for their remarkable foliage, offering bold colors and patterns that stand apart from more traditional groundcovers. Tradescantia zebrina (shown here) is especially eye-catching with its striped silver and purple leaves and contrasting burgundy undersides, while Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Maiden’s Blush’ displays soft pink, cream, and green variegation that gives the foliage a watercolor-like effect. Their trailing stems spread and overlap, creating layers of color that shift with changing light conditions. Small flowers provide a delicate accent, but the leaves remain the primary attraction.
The interplay of stripes, variegation, and contrasting leaf surfaces gives these plants an almost artistic quality. They work beautifully in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed plantings, contributing unexpected colors and intricate patterns to garden compositions.
CORAL BELLS (Heuchera)
03
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8 to 12 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part shade to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Slow spread
Clump forming
Colorful foliage
Coral bells bring intricate foliage and subtle color shifts to shaded groundcovers, where their mounded forms create layers beneath trees and larger perennials. Heuchera x 'TNHEUNES' features silvery leaves flushed with soft pink and highlighted by deep burgundy veins, while Heuchera 'Peppermint Spice' displays silver foliage with contrasting dark veining. Heuchera 'Red Lightning' (shown here) contributes chartreuse leaves marked with dramatic burgundy patterns. Airy flower stems rise above the foliage, adding another dimension to the planting.
From silver and amber to burgundy and chartreuse, coral bells offer a palette that changes the mood of a planting. They blend beautifully with hostas, ferns, and epimediums, bringing depth and year-round structure to woodland-inspired gardens.
Related: Explore All Heucheras ➔
BERGENIA
04
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12 to 18 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Moderate spread
Clump forming
Red winter color
Bergenias provide bold foliage and early-season color to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where their broad leaves create a strong visual presence beneath trees and along pathways. Bergenia cordifolia ‘Winter Glow’ produces clusters of deep rosy-pink flowers above glossy green leaves, while Bergenia cordifolia 'Bach' (shown here) produces soft pink blossoms, and leaves that develop rich reddish tones during the colder months. Bergenia 'Silberlicht' offers clear white flowers that brighten shaded settings and contrast beautifully with the evergreen foliage. Their substantial leaves add texture and help anchor mixed plantings.
Sometimes called pig squeak because of the sound made when the leaves are rubbed together, bergenias have long been valued for their versatility and changing seasonal character. They combine beautifully with hostas, epimediums, and spring bulbs, bringing structure and contrast to woodland-inspired gardens.
KNOTWEED (Persicaria)
05
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18 to 24 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Moderate spread
Colony forming
Marked foliage
Knotweeds offer some of the most intriguing foliage patterns among groundcovers grown for their leaves, bringing unexpected colors and markings to the garden. Persicaria capitata forms low mats of small leaves with subtle markings, accompanied by rosy pink flower clusters, while Persicaria virginiana 'Lance Corporal' (shown here) is admired for its elongated green leaves marked by a dramatic burgundy chevron. The contrasting forms and colors create a layered effect that draws attention even when flowers are scarce. Their spreading habits allow them to mingle naturally with neighboring plants and soften the edges of borders.
Rather than relying on bold blooms, these selections make their impact through distinctive foliage and changing seasonal tones. They work especially well in containers, woodland plantings, and mixed borders, adding unusual textures and eye-catching patterns to garden compositions.
BUGLEWEED (Ajuga)
06
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4 to 6 in tall
12 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Semi-evergreen
Flowers
Fast spread
Mat forming
Tricolor foliage
Bugleweed brings colorful foliage and spring bloom to shaded areas, where its spreading habit helps knit together the spaces beneath trees and taller perennials. Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ (shown here) features cream, pink, and green variegated leaves, while Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ develops rich bronze-purple foliage that deepens the mood of woodland settings. Ajuga reptans ‘Pink Lightning’ adds bright accents with cream-edged leaves and soft pink flower spikes that rise above the foliage in spring. The varied leaf colors provide interest well beyond the flowering season.
Bugleweed often serves as a colorful foundation for hostas, ferns, and spring bulbs, instead of fading into the background. Its tapestry-like foliage creates striking contrasts that bring depth and visual interest to shaded garden spaces.
LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Convallaria)
07
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6 to 8 in tall
12 to 18 in wide
Part to full shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Slow spread
Colony forming
Chartreuse foliage
Lily-of-the-valley lends a timeless woodland character to shaded gardens, where its spreading colonies create a lush carpet beneath trees and shrubs. Convallaria majalis is cherished for its fragrant white bells in spring, while Convallaria majalis 'Golden Slippers' (shown here) brightens darker corners with golden foliage. Convallaria majalis 'Prolificans' offers an unusual twist with double, clustered flowers that add extra detail to the display. The broad leaves provide a rich green backdrop that helps unify shaded beds and pathways.
Long associated with cottage gardens and woodland landscapes, lily-of-the-valley has been cultivated for centuries for its fragrance and elegant form. Its refined appearance pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and epimediums, bringing softness and seasonal interest to sheltered garden spaces.
JAPANESE SPURGE (Pachysandra)
08
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6 to 8 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Moderate spread
Colony forming
Silver-edged foliage
Japanese spurge offers more than just a green backdrop, with selections that showcase distinctive leaf textures and subtle variations in color. Pachysandra terminalis 'Green Sheen' is notable for its glossy foliage, whose polished surface catches available light and gives the planting a fresh appearance. Pachysandra terminalis ‘Silver Edge’ (shown here) adds another dimension with leaves outlined in creamy white, creating a refined variegated effect. Their layered stems and whorled foliage produce a patterned look that brings visual interest even in quieter areas of the garden. Small white flowers appear in spring, adding a delicate touch.
Repeated layers of foliage give these selections a calm, orderly appearance throughout the year.. It pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and hellebores, contributing texture and subtle contrasts to woodland-inspired plantings and shaded borders.
FOAMY BELLS (Heucherella)
09
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12 to 18 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Semi-evergreen
Flowers
Slow spread
Clump forming
Copper foliage
Foamy bells combine the colorful foliage of coral bells with the intricate leaf shapes of foamflowers, making them especially appealing among groundcovers. Heucherella 'Sweet Tea' (shown here) displays large maple-like leaves in shades of cinnamon, amber, and rose, while Heucherella 'Pink Fizz' features silver-green foliage accented with dark veining and bright pink flower spikes. Heucherella 'Citrus Shock' adds a bold note with deeply cut chartreuse leaves highlighted by reddish centers. Their varied forms and colors bring an almost painterly quality to the garden and provide interest across much of the year.
Inherited from two different parent genera, foamy bells often have more deeply lobed leaves and a lighter, more intricate appearance than many heucheras. They pair beautifully with ferns, hostas, and Japanese forest grass, contributing distinctive textures and unexpected color combinations to layered plantings.
BUGLOSS (Brunnera)
10
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12 to 18 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Slow spread
Clump forming
Silver foliage
Bugloss brings luminous foliage and delicate spring flowers to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where its broad leaves help brighten the understory beneath trees and shrubs. Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (shown here) is known for its silver leaves outlined in green, while Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart' offers thicker, heart-shaped foliage with a softer sheen. In spring, airy sprays of small blue flowers rise above the leaves, creating a cloud-like effect reminiscent of forget-me-nots. Their bold foliage provides a striking counterpoint to finer-textured woodland plants.
The silver tones of brunneras are especially effective in reflecting available light and adding contrast to darker corners. They pair beautifully with ferns, heucheras, and hostas, bringing elegance and visual depth to shaded garden compositions with interest extending well beyond the flowering season.
CHAMELEON PLANT (Houttuynia)
11
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8 to 12 in tall
18 to 36 in wide
Part to full shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Fast spread
Colony forming
Multicolored foliage
Chameleon plant brings bold foliage and unexpected color to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where its spreading habit creates eye-catching patches beneath trees and along moist garden edges. Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ (shown here) is known for its heart-shaped leaves splashed with green, cream, yellow, and red, with the colors often intensifying as the season progresses. Small white flowers appear in summer, but the foliage remains the primary attraction. The vibrant leaves provide a dramatic contrast to the quieter greens typically found in woodland settings.
Unlike many shade plants that rely on subtle textures, chameleon plant makes a strong visual statement. It pairs beautifully with hostas, Japanese forest grass, and ferns, bringing bold color and a distinctly exotic character to sheltered garden spaces and waterside plantings.
SAXIFRAGA
12
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4 to 6 in tall
8 to 12 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Slow spread
Clump forming
Variegated foliage
Saxifrages bring intricate foliage and understated charm to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where their compact rosettes create fine textures beneath shrubs and deciduous trees. Saxifraga ‘Hsitou Silver’ (shown here) stands out with silver-veined leaves, while Saxifraga x geum ‘Dentata’ forms mounds of toothed green foliage topped by airy clusters of pale flowers. Saxifraga x urbium ‘Aureopunctata’ adds further interest with leaves speckled in gold, brightening sheltered corners throughout the growing season. Their varied forms lend detail and contrast to woodland-inspired plantings.
Rather than dominating a planting, saxifrages excel at filling the quiet spaces between larger companions. They mingle beautifully with ferns, epimediums, and miniature hostas, adding subtle patterns and a sense of refinement to shaded garden settings.
MONEYWORT (Lysimachia)
13
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2 to 4 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Sun to part shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Fast spread
Trailing habit
Golden foliage
Moneywort showcases an impressive range of foliage colors and textures, making it a standout choice among groundcovers grown for their leaves. Lysimachia nummularia ‘Goldilocks’ (shown here) forms cascading mats of bright golden foliage that illuminate the garden, while Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Persian Carpet’ combines deep green leaves with burgundy highlights and yellow blooms. Lysimachia congestiflora ‘Persian Chocolate’ takes the effect further with even darker foliage, creating rich contrasts and adding depth to mixed plantings. Their trailing stems weave through neighboring plants and spill naturally over edges.
Their trailing stems showcase a palette of greens, golds, and burgundy shades rarely found in a single genus. Whether used in containers, along pathways, or in layered borders, they contribute distinctive patterns and unexpected color combinations to garden compositions.
MONDO GRASS (Ophiopogon)
14
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6 to 12 in tall
12 to 18 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Slow spread
Clump forming
Black foliage
Mondo grass introduces a graceful, grassy texture to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where its arching foliage creates flowing ribbons beneath shrubs and along pathways. Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (shown here) is especially striking with its nearly black leaves, while Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nanus' forms compact tufts of rich green foliage that resemble miniature fountains. Their narrow leaves provide a pleasing contrast to broad-leaved perennials and help define the edges of woodland beds and shaded borders. Small lavender flowers followed by dark berries add subtle seasonal accents.
Drawing attention through form rather than showy blooms, mondo grasses bring a calming presence to garden compositions. They pair beautifully with hostas, hakone grass, and heucheras, adding rhythm and texture to sheltered landscapes.
ENGLISH IVY (Hedera)
15
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6 to 12 in tall
3 to 6 ft wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Flowers
Fast spread
Trailing habit
Golden foliage
English ivy brings year-round pattern and varied foliage to shade-tolerant groundcovers, where its trailing stems weave beneath shrubs and soften the edges of pathways. Hedera helix ‘Gold Child’ (shown here) features green leaves edged in gold that take on rosy pink and apricot tones during cooler weather, while Hedera helix 'Glacier' displays silver-gray and cream variegation. Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' offers finely divided leaves that provide a distinctly different texture. Together, these cultivars create layers of color and form in sheltered garden settings.
Beyond its traditional use on walls and structures, English ivy can serve as a living tapestry at ground level. It combines beautifully with hellebores, ferns, and epimediums, bringing contrast and visual continuity to woodland-inspired landscapes through every season of the year.
BISHOP’S WEED (Aegopodium)
16
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8 to 12 in tall
24 to 36 in wide
Part to full shade
Deciduous
Flowers
Fast spread
Colony forming
Variegated foliage
Bishop's weed creates broad sweeps of variegated foliage in shaded gardens, where its bright leaves can illuminate areas beneath trees and along the edges of woodland borders. Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ (shown here) features finely toothed leaves edged in creamy white, forming a striking tapestry that remains attractive throughout the growing season. Clusters of tiny white flowers appear above the foliage in summer, adding a light, airy quality to the planting. The contrasting leaf colors provide visual interest even when flowers are absent.
Few shade-tolerant groundcovers have such a strong effect on the overall tone of a planting. Used thoughtfully, bishop's weed pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and darker-leaved companions, bringing brightness and contrast to sheltered garden spaces.