6 Stunning Silver-Leaf Plants for Sun and Shade

I love all plants, but if I had to choose, no contest: silver plants have been my biggest obsession for years. You may know silver plants for sun—silver foliage often signals sun tolerance—but amazing silver plants have emerged for the shadiest corners too. Here are a few of each.

Ajania (Pacific Chrysanthemum)

Ajania (Ajania pacifica, zones 5–9) stops me in my tracks. A relative of chrysanthemums, it makes a tight, mounded clump of the most silver leaves all season, 1–2 feet tall, 1–3 feet wide. Usually last to bloom, sometimes early November even in cold climates. Tiny gold button flowers. Sunny spot, well-drained soil, especially if winters wet.

Photo by Digigalos via Wikimedia Commons

'Silver Shimmers' Lungwort

For shade, 'Silver Shimmers' lungwort (Pulmonaria 'Silver Shimmers', zones 4–9). Neighbors may think you're decorating with aluminum foil strips. Thrives in woodland conditions: moist, rich, well-drained soil in shade, 1–2 feet tall and wide. Good air circulation needed—some Pulmonaria prone to mildew, though not seen on this variety. Blooms blue in spring.

'Helene von Stein' Lamb's Ear

Back in sun, 'Helene von Stein' lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein', zones 4–9). From a couple gallon pots, I've divided enough to produce an army in a few years. Drought-resistant beauty, 6 inches tall, 1–2 feet wide, average well-drained soil and sun (takes some shade). Many names: 'Big Ears', 'Helen von Stein Zeppelin'. Most lamb's ears don't thrive in humid climates, but 'Helene' is your best bet.

Japanese Painted Fern

Shadier spot: Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, zones 3–8). Dazzling in silver, emerges in spring vivid deep purple—a bonus. Prefers average to moist, well-drained woodland soil, takes moderately dry shade or some sun if soil damp. 1–2 feet tall and wide, winner in almost any garden.

Pearly Everlasting

For less common silver in sun, pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea, zones 3–8). Native to much of North America, thrives in dry sites with poor soil, blooms vision of white above silver leaves late summer to fall. 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide, spreads if happy. Flowers excellent for drying—true to name.

'Jack Frost' Brunnera

Relative newcomer to shade gardening, 'Jack Frost' brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost', zones 3–8) destined to become a classic. Big-leaved brunnera grows into proper clump, 1½ feet high and wide, gem for all shady sites, dry shade included. Blends with hostas and ferns but brings sophistication. Blooms blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in spring.