Gardeners are not doomed to boring, colorless garden plants for shady areas. Shade plants are more colorful and interesting than ever.

A boxwood alternative that blooms, a willow with silvery foliage, and another slew of new-twist hydrangeas are among the most interesting trees and shrubs debuting in the 2026 growing season.

Autumn received her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School, and received a B.A. in economics and a B.A. in political science from Louisiana State University. She previously worked in the ...