Yellow Leafed Plants for Shade

Brighten up the shade with a few yellow foliage plants. You’ll improve the mood inside the garden and draw attention to those shady spots in your landscape.

Japanese forest grass (Hakonachloa) is one of the few ornamental grasses that tolerate shade. The fine texture and golden striped foliage of the Golden variegated or solid yellow foliage of All Gold contrast nicely with the big leafed blue hostas or purple leafed bugbane. Grow this plant in partial shade and consistently moist soil.

You and the honeybees will enjoy Sun King aralia. This perennial grows 3 feet tall and wide. Bright gold leaves appear in spring and fade to lime green or chartreuse in the summer. Give them just a bit of sun and the leaves will remain golden all season long. The tiny white flowers that appear in late summer along with the reddish-brown stems adds to the overall appeal.

A bit more information: The golden grass-like foliage of Everillo sedge adds color and texture to partially shade gardens. For more ideas and specifics on these plants, take a look at the Horticulture Magazine article Shade Gardens Come Alive with Gold Foliage.