Let’s define what spot accenting is. It is the process of adding various kinds of plants in different selected areas in your garden. For example, you have a shade garden where green is the predominant color. To spot accent the area, you can plant  some white caladiums. They can help lighten up the area. However for balance it is recommended to add another caladium called 'Miss Muffet' and a dwarf evergreen.
 
Another option to achieve balance is to plant variegated Japanese sedge. Sedge creates contrast of color and texture and grows well is shady locations. This sedge is a perennial that grows to about one foot tall and wide, and it's hardy to the southern limits of Zone 5. It is recommended to grow sedge in damp soil locations like bog gardens. But if you water these plants regularly they will grow well.    
 
Another great choice when spot accenting with ornamental grass is Stipa. "Now this is a great grass," says James. This plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it's hardy to Zone 5. It doesn't really spread, although it can sometimes self-sow from seed. You can find Stipa in both low-growing and upright varieties.

In addition to unusual plant combinations, try to put spot accent plants in uncommon spaces to create a surprising garden feature. For instance, you can plant a juniper in a hole in a boulder. They give bright contrasting c color and create vivid deep purple and intense lemon-lime foliage. You can find coleus in all sorts of color variations, shapes and textures. They are not hardy except in Zone 10, so it is recommended to grow them as annuals either in the garden or in containers. If you want that your coleus could always look nice and bushy, pinch off the terminal growth now and then.
 
The coreopsis called 'Lime Rock Ruby' is another great option of spot accenting. It has deep magenta flowers which bloom in such profusion that it's hard to believe this is just one plant!
 
Another plant which has a lot of blossoms is garden phlox. Nearly all gardeners have grown a species of phlox at one time or another and with good reason. It is very easy to grow Phlox and most species of this native plant are hardy to Zone 3. Phlox is susceptible to a fungal disease called powdery mildew when beginning to flow, but such cultivar, 'David', is virtually mildew-free, even if the climate is warm and humid.  IT has beautiful white flowers, especially in front of an evergreen.
 
When dealing with spot accenting it is important to recognize that not all flowers are created equal. Wild violets are the bane of many gardeners, because once they get established in garden beds or lawns, they're next to impossible to get rid of, even using herbicides.
 
If you want to impress your neighbors and friends with your beautiful landscape, spot accent your garden with a hardy hibiscus, a popular tropical plant.

'Copper King' hibiscus is amazing because it has coppery foliage and pinkish-white, dinner-plate-sized flowers that feature a deep-red center.

Another great plant used in spot accenting is Alocasia, a member of the taro family. This is an annual flower that grows in all parts of the country with the warmest climate.

Whether you're spot accenting with colorful flowers or contrasting foliage plants and you are not skilled enough how to grow a specific variety it is advised to  plant in a more controlled setting. You can at first plant the perennials in containers as patio accents and if you enjoy the look you can give them a permanent spot in your garden in the fall.