Another excellent choice when a vibrant solution to winter dullness is needed, the Pulonaria saccarata provides a thick, lush carpet of gently spotted foliage. Preferring moist soil and shaded areas, it is a popular option as groundcover in woodland gardens, and as underplanting for larger shrubs. Known as the Bethlehem Sage, its blooms are small violet funnel-shaped flowers springing up in sharp contrast to the light green leaves beneath them. Pruning the old leaves after flowering is advised, as is dividing the clumps in autumn.