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. Newer cultivars and those with yellowish foliage are typically more tolerant of sun than those with deeper color shades.Ĭoleus plants form dense clusters of leaves along upward-growing stems. Few foliage plants offer the incredible diversity of color, pattern, and leaf size as coleus, and it can be used in almost infinite ways-from a colorful ground cover in shady areas to hanging baskets. Unlike other plants on this list, coleus is usually planted as an annual rather than a perennial-though it is hardy in tropical environments. It tolerates dryish soil fairly well, though it must be well-drained. If you can't provide the consistent moisture needed by interrupted fern, try common lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) instead. Broad fronds are "interrupted" in the middle by spore-bearing pinnae (leaflets) which typically fall off in mid summer. This plant typically grows in a spreading-vase form to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5' in height. Do, however, keep its soil thoroughly moistened. Interrupted fern ( Osmunda claytoniana) can be grown in a location that receives substantial sunshine during the course of the day, including afternoon sun. You're not always restricted to shady areas with these ancient plants, though. As a group, they are easily recognized by their fine lacy leaves spreading out from long arching stems. wideįerns are a classic choice for shade.
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