'Gold Splash' Wintercreeper

The variegated green and gold foliage of 'Gold Splash' wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei) pops along the Test Garden's main path. "It's a real workhorse," says Gerdes, who notes that its clipped stems also make great bouquet fillers. The shrub can handle a variety of conditions (except extremely wet soil), resists disease, and takes a heavy pruning with ease.

Growing Conditions: Part to full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 2 feet tall and wide

Zones: 5-8

'Little Honey' Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangeas' romance typically lies in their flowers, but in the case of 'Little Honey' oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) it's the foliage that makes gardeners swoon. "This is a beautiful oakleaf hydrangea that's pretty in the middle of the border or by a patio, which is where we have it," says Gerdes. Leaves go from golden in spring to chartreuse in summer, turning burgundy in the fall. The white flowers bloom in summer.

Growing Conditions: Part shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 3–4 feet tall

Zones: 4-9

'White Gold' Bleeding Heart

'White Gold' bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) sports golden leaves and pure white flowers that dangle like intricate charms on a bracelet. "It's a glowing light next to our dark green conifers in the Test Garden," says Gerdes. Another favorite golden-leafed variety is 'Gold Heart', which offers pink flowers.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 18–24 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide

Zones: 3–9

'Aurea' Hakone Grass

Laurie Black

Shady spots need all the brightening up they can get. Enter the award-winning 'Aurea' Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra), which brings golden color along with an airy, arching habit. "It's a bright and graceful edger along a path or retaining wall, and gives texture and movement in the shade garden," says Gerdes.

Growing Conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 12–18 inches tall

Zones: 5–9

'Ball Gown' Coral Bells

There are no shortage of chartreuse- and golden-leaved coral bells (Heuchera spp.), but Gerdes is a particularly big fan of 'Ball Gown' coral bells. "It's a low, mounding perennial with ruffled leaves that add interest and texture up front. Give this charmer good drainage and it'll dance all season," says Gerdes.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 26–30 inches tall and 24–28 inches wide

Zones: 4–9

'Aurea Variegata' Sweet Iris

"This foliage literally glows when the sun shines through it," says Gerdes of 'Aurea Variegata' sweet iris (Iris pallida). "The strong, vertical leaves are like shiny swords that are impossible to pass by without a second glance." Bonus: It blooms with classic, fragrant purple flowers in spring.

Growing Conditions: Part to full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 2 feet tall

Zones: 4–9

'Key Lime' Lamb's Ear

"We like lamb's ear as a reliable perennial groundcover with its silver foliage, and now it comes in a golden chartreuse," enthuses Gerdes. The leaves of the low-growing 'Key Lime' lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) have the same velvety texture as the familiar silver variety, and shift from lime green to yellow throughout the season. It makes a dazzling edging plant for mixed borders.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 8-10 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide

Zones: 4–9

'Time in a Bottle' Hosta

Among the numerous types of hostas in the Test Garden, Gerdes is especially fond of 'Time in a Bottle'. "It has bright yellow leaves with wavy margins, adding both color and texture to our rock garden," she says. Its leaves gradually deepen to chartreuse over the growing season; in summer, it produces wands of purple flowers.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 12 inches tall and 3 feet wide

Zones: 3–9

'Cordial Canary' Ajuga

"You can’t miss this bright groundcover," says Gerdes. She especially loves the contrast between the ajuga's purple flowers and near-neon golden foliage. The quick-spreading groundcover can handle light foot traffic, making it a good choice around pathways.

Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 4 inches tall and 18 inches wide

Zones: 4–9