This plant is prone to fungus, so it’s best to keep ground areas clear of debris and avoid overhead watering in favor of soaking.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9Leaf Color Varieties: Medium- to dark-green; some cultivars with white edgesLight: Part shade to full shadeMature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 12–18 in. wide.Deer Resistant: Yes
This is a fast-growing, fast-spreading plant that should be used carefully in warmer climates; it is considered invasive in parts of the southeastern United States.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–10Leaf Color Varieties: Dark green; variegated varieties are availableLight: Full sun to partial shadeMature Size: 9–18 in. wide, 1–2 ft. wideDeer Resistant: Yes
These plants are usually grouped together in perennial beds or as a ground cover. If you enjoy color contrasts, black mondo grass makes an outstanding plant partner for ‘Solar Power’.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9Leaf Color Varieties: Yellow, gold, bronze, red, green; many with contrasting veins and splotches.Light: Full sun to part shadeMature Size: 12–18 in. tall and wideDeer Resistant: No
Fanliso / Getty Images This plant does best in very well-draining soil; it won’t tolerate soggy conditions.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9Leaf Color Varieties: Greenish-silver, bluish-greenLight: Full sunMature Size: 6 in. to 4 ft. tall (depends on species; most are 6–12 in.)Deer Resistant: Yes
To keep it attractive, this plant needs to be pruned down after flowering.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9Leaf Color Varieties: Shiny dark greenLight: Full sunMature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 1–2 ft. wideDeer Resistant: Yes
Be careful not to overwater these plants, as too much moisture easily kills them.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6–9Leaf Color Varieties: Purple when young, then green with white marginsLight: Full sunMature Size: 12–18 in. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
There is an amazing diversity of size and color to be found in the Hosta genus, and entire gardens can be designed around this single plant, with foliage that ranges from the palest yellow to nearly pure blue and every shade of green in between—including hundreds of variegated forms. Leaves can range from tiny, smooth needle-like leaves to huge paddle-shaped leaves with the texture of seersucker. Some gardeners specialize in growing nothing but hostas, yet manage to achieve some of the most spectacularly diverse shade gardens imaginable. These plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so they are not the best choice if you have gnawing animals. Unfortunately, this does not stop deer and rabbits from feeding on them.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9Leaf Color Varieties: Yellow, light green, dark green, blue-green; many variegated forms.Light: Partial sun to full shadeMature Size: 6 in. to 4 ft. tall, 10 in. to 6 ft. wideDeer Resistant: No
Elephant ear looks especially nice near water features. But be aware that these plants are quite toxic to pets and humans. Even nibbling on the leaves can cause considerable pain and swelling.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8–10Leaf Color Varieties: Shades of greenLight: Full sun to part shadeMature Size: 3–6 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
Linjerry / Getty Images Invasive in some of the warmest states in the U.S., elsewhere, papyrus plants will die back after an autumn frost and are most easily treated as if they were annuals: let them spruce up your water feature during the summer, then replace them next year. They can be grown in ordinary garden soil, as well, though they will need to be kept constantly moist.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–10 (but often used as annuals)Leaf Color Varieties: Light- to medium-green; brownish burgundyLight: Full sun to part shadeMature Size: 1–12 ft. (depends on variety)Deer Resistant: No
This plant typically grows in a spreading-vase form to 2-3’ tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5’ in height. Broad fronds are “interrupted” in the middle by spore-bearing pinnae (leaflets) which typically fall off in mid summer. If you can’t provide the consistent moisture needed by interrupted fern, try common lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) instead. It is suited for USDA zones 4 to 8. It tolerates dryish soil fairly well, though it must be well-drained. Lady fern grows up to 3 feet tall.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8Leaf Color Varieties: Medium greenLight: Partial sun to full shadeMature Size: 2–3 ft. tall and wideDeer Resistant: Yes
Avoid too much hot direct afternoon sun. In the northern part of the range, a layer of mulch may prevent winter kill.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9Leaf Color Varieties: Yellow, medium green; many variegated formsLight: Partial sunMature Size: 12–18 in. tall, 2 ft. wideDeer Resistant: Yes
Coleus plants form dense clusters of leaves along upward-growing stems. Leaves are typically spade-shaped, but sizes can vary from tiny varieties suitable for fairy gardens to varieties with leaves larger than a human hand. Leaf surfaces are matte, brighter on top and somewhat duller on the undersides, There are both smooth-leaved and ruffled varieties, and both solid colors and hundreds of patterned forms. These plants are very cold sensitive, so wait until soil temps have thoroughly warmed to plant them in the garden in spring.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11Leaf Color Varieties: Red, yellows, greens; many patterned leaf varietiesLight: Partial sun to full shadeMature Size: 6–36 in. tall; 12–36 in. wideDeer Resistant: Moderately
