How about Cuban Oregano? Mine are green/white variegated, super easy to grow, and smell heavenly! They do well in sun or shade.

Lisa

Cuban oregano is very pretty but this spot is really heavy shade. Also, I'd like a larger leaf. I may try that in another spot though. Is it perennial?

How about Farfugium japonicum? Just the plant for dappled shade and should do OK in your zone. See link below.

Here is a link that might be useful:

It is perennial in zones 10-11, but is cold sensitive. It is actually much prettier than it looks in photos. I was given some cuttings, all rooted easily, and it rapidly became a favorite plant. I have some growing in near total shade, and it looks great. It is often used as a houseplant. If it gets too tall, I just snip it and stick the cuttings back in the pot, and a new plant is born!(G)

Since you are in a much colder zone, maybe a local forum might be more helpful? I am woefully ignorant about foliage plants for colder climates. Sorry I couldn't be of more help..

Lisa

These wouldn't be hardy in your area, but if you sink the pots, it may be an option:

Eucharist Lily (Eucaris grandiflora)--great flowers but really boring leaves.

Or, any landscape begonia with terric leaf colorations (such as Palomar Prince or Marmaduke) or a nice round leaf (such as Holly Moon or Washington State), or a terrific bloomer (such as B. odorata 'Alba'). Slugs will munch on begonias, too if too shady and/or moist. Do you use any type of treatment for slugs?

No on the slug treatment. I'm not one to like to use "poison" in my yard.

What about acanthus mollis or Bear's breeches? Not a round leaf, but kinda tropical looking large leaf, beautiful, blooms some and I think it will work in shade in your zone. I think iron phosphate pellets may be considered an organic slug control. I think it is marketed as escar-Go! Haven't tried it yet. I have lots of snails, and get out often just to stomp them- after a rain or irrigation. Not totally effective, but helps quite a bit if you get out there often enough.