Try one or two tucked in for a surprise of color in an intimate garden. When planning to use these small perennials in an area, remember that their petite stature means they can easily be overgrown by larger plants around them. Using larger numbers of the small perennials, allowing ample room for all plants to grow, and using additional short stature plants close by helps. Use short plants in the front of the border so that they can be seen and appreciated. Dwarf, containerized, and rock gardens are well suited for these petite perennials.
Ferns thrive in the shade while adding their unique texture and form to complement the garden.
Medium-sized ferns are great along shaded steps or a pathway. Small ferns add a nice touch to shady rock gardens or other dwarf gardens. Hostas look elegant on their own or mixed into a perennial or shrub border, as background plants, specimens, ground covers or edging plants. Ferns, dicentras, corydalis and other fine foliaged plants make good companion plants with their delicate foliage. Shrubs, tall perennials and architectural obstacles that can be challenging are softened with the use of hostas.