Perennials for Attractive Foliage in Full or Part Sun
Artemisia (left) and Lamb's Ears (right) are two silvery-leaved foliage plants that work well to accent the more colorful perennials. Artemisia grows to a compact, silky, cushion. Lamb's Ears are fuzzy, making a good soft edging or rambling ground cover. The lower leaves of Lamb's Ears may rot, so for both of these plants, well-drained soil is necessary.
Sedums for Full Sun
Sedum, or stonecrop, forms clumps up to 2 ft wide with fleshy, succulent leaves in shades of yellow-green to blue-green, and some with reddish stems. This family of plants is grown mainly for their attractive foliage and ground covering ability, but they will bloom under favorable conditions. Sedums do best in sandy, well drained soils, in full sun, with regular watering, but can tolerate much less favorable conditions. The low growing varieties will grow in more shade but may not flower. The creeping sedums grow less than 6" high. Dense clusters of starry yellow (occasionally other colors) flowers may accent the foliage in late summer and fall. The low-growing types are perfect for rock gardens or as border plants, while the taller varieties thrive in perennial borders. Both types of sedums work well in containers. The mature seed heads look great in dried floral arrangements.