The leaves vary from dark green, bronze-purple, or variegated dark green, white, and burgundy. Bugleweed prefers moist, well-drained soils. Astilbes are great perennials for shady areas in the landscape. They range in height from 8 to 36 inches tall. Because it spreads quickly, Astilbe chinensis 'Pumila' is one of the best astilbes for groundcover use.
Astilbes prefer moist, rich soil that is well-drained in winter.
For heart-shaped leaves in the shade, try one of the gingers. Canadian Ginger is hardier than the European species. Both gingers are 5 to 6 inches tall. While their flowers are not showy, gingers produce unique maroon to brown, bell-shaped flowers just above the soil surface. Gingers are slow growing and require partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soils.