Best Shade Plants: Solid Green vs. Variegated Foliage

Solid green leaves photosynthesize more efficiently, making solid-colored hostas ('Elegans', 'Halcyon', 'Royal Standard') better for deep shade than variegated ones ('Frances Williams', 'Francee', 'Great Expectations'). However, variegated Solomon's seal and Japanese painted fern thrive in dark areas despite light foliage—exceptions that prove the rule.