1. Hosta (Hosta spp.)

• Zones: 3-9

• Maintenance: Low; requires occasional watering and annual mulching.

• Habits: Clump-forming perennials with broad, decorative leaves.

• Description: Known for their lush, variegated foliage in shades of green, blue, and gold.

• Flowering: Produces spikes of lavender or white flowers in late spring to summer.

• Problems: Vulnerable to slugs and snails, which can damage leaves.

2. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

• Zones: 5-9

• Maintenance: Low; needs consistent moisture and organic mulch.

• Habits: Graceful, arching grass with bright green or variegated leaves.

• Description: Forms dense, cascading mounds that sway in the breeze.

• Flowering: Small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer.

• Problems: Can suffer from root rot if overwatered.

3. Epimedium (Epimedium spp.)

• Zones: 5-8

• Maintenance: Low; drought-tolerant once established.

• Habits: Spreading ground cover with delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves.

• Description: Attractive, semi-evergreen foliage that turns reddish in fall.

• Flowering: Produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in spring.

• Problems: Can be slow to establish and spread.

4. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

• Zones: 4-9

• Maintenance: Moderate; requires regular watering and occasional fertilization.

• Habits: Mounding perennials with colorful, ruffled foliage.

• Description: Leaves come in a variety of colors, from deep purple to bright lime green.

• Flowering: Sprays of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer.

• Problems: Susceptible to vine weevils and powdery mildew.

5. Bergenia (Bergenia spp.)

• Zones: 3-8

• Maintenance: Low; drought-tolerant and needs minimal care.

• Habits: Evergreen perennials with large, leathery leaves and pink flowers.

• Description: Also known as "Elephant Ears" due to its large, bold foliage.

• Flowering: Clusters of pink, red, or white flowers in early spring.

• Problems: May develop leaf spot in overly damp conditions.

6. Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum spp.)

• Zones: 3-9

• Maintenance: Low; prefers rich, well-drained soil and occasional watering.

• Habits: Arching stems with bell-shaped flowers.

• Description: Elegant, arching stems with alternate leaves and dangling white or greenish flowers.

• Flowering: Produces tubular, white flowers in late spring.

• Problems: Prone to rust and slug damage.

7. Dryopteris (Dryopteris spp.)

• Zones: 4-9

• Maintenance: Low; needs consistent moisture and organic mulch.

• Habits: Deciduous ferns with elegant, arching fronds.

• Description: Attractive ferns with finely divided fronds that add texture to the garden.

• Flowering: Non-flowering; valued for its foliage.

• Problems: Generally pest-free but can suffer from root rot if overwatered.

8. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

• Zones: 3-8

• Maintenance: Low; drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

• Habits: Clump-forming perennials with heart-shaped leaves and blue flowers.

• Description: Leaves are often variegated with silver markings.

• Flowering: Bright blue, forget-me-not-like flowers in spring.

• Problems: Leaves can scorch in direct sunlight.

9. Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria spp.)

• Zones: 3-8

• Maintenance: Low; needs consistent moisture and partial to full shade.

• Habits: Clump-forming with spotted or variegated leaves and blue to pink flowers.

• Description: Also known as "Lungwort," with attractive foliage often spotted with white.

• Flowering: Early spring flowers that change color from blue to pink.

• Problems: Susceptible to powdery mildew and slug damage.

10. Lamium (Lamium maculatum)

• Zones: 3-8

• Maintenance: Low; drought-tolerant and requires minimal care.

• Habits: Spreading ground cover with variegated leaves and pink or white flowers.

• Description: Attractive ground cover with silvery leaves and colorful blooms.

• Flowering: Produces clusters of pink, white, or purple flowers from spring to summer.

• Problems: Can become invasive if not controlled.

Conclusion

Creating a dry shade garden requires selecting plants that can thrive in low-light and low-water conditions. By choosing the right varieties and understanding their needs, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy a lush, vibrant garden. Remember to monitor for common problems and maintain good gardening practices to keep your plants healthy.

This comprehensive structure ensures your readers get valuable, detailed information on each plant, helping them make informed decisions for their dry shade gardens. If you have more specific details or requests, feel free to let me know!