Red Nancy is a spotted deadnettle with silvery leaves edged in green and short spikes of purple-pink flowers from spring into fall. Part of our Toe Ticklers series, it stays low and spreading, brightening the ground between stones and under shrubs where the silver foliage glows in shade.

This is one for the shady path: it takes full shade, drought once established, and deer and rabbits leave it alone. Reasonably moist, well-drained soil keeps it fullest, and you can shear it back anytime it strays. It also threads nicely among ferns and hostas.