Plants with Stunning Foliage
Introduction
Plants with beautiful leaves can be just as eye-catching as those with flowers. They can add a touch of elegance to your garden and create a unique spectacle. If you’re looking to liven up a shady area or add some interest to your yard, consider planting some of these stunning foliage plants.
Exceptional Leaves
Every leaf has its own beauty, but some are more exceptional than others. They may be large in size, have an unusual shape, or come in a variety of colors. Some of these plants also grow flowers, but the leaves are the primary ornamental attraction.
Perennials with Stunning Foliage
One of the best plants for stunning foliage is canna. This plant has huge, banana-shaped leaves that can be green, red, or even striped. Coleus is another popular choice, with its large, oval-shaped leaves that are often edged in new green with brilliant scarlet interiors.
Agave Family: Plants with Fascinating Variations
If you want plants with leaves that will make your neighbors stare, start with the agave family. Agaves are succulents, so their leaves are thick and fleshy. However, the fascinating variations in their leaves are what make them truly special.
- Monterrey Frost (Agave bracteosa): This agave has ribbon-like, arching leaves that radiate out from the center.
- New Mexico agave (Agave neomexicana ‘Sunspot’): This agave has a rosette of dark turquoise leaves with creamy yellow margins, creating a stunning color contrast.
- Artemisia: Artemisia plants offer leaves that stand out in a crowd. They have an airy texture like a fern, but are silver-gray in color and soft as butter.
Hostas: The Top Foliage Perennial
Many gardeners rank hostas as the top foliage perennial. These plants have leaves that come in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, gold, and multicolored. They also come in a variety of sizes, from small to giant.
Persian Shield: Leaves That Shimmer
Another plant with leaves that stand out is the Persian shield. The leaves are almost iridescent, with a shocking violet color and green ribs and undersides.
More Plants with Cool-Looking Leaves
- Lamb’s ear: This plant has fuzzy, gray leaves that are about the size of a lamb’s ear and very, very soft.
- Edible amaranth: This plant has impressive foliage that is canary yellow splotched with scarlet in the center and bright green at the tips.
- Elephant ears: These plants have large, arrow-shaped leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear. They come in a variety of colors, including green, velvety black, and purple.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many plants with stunning foliage that you can add to your garden. With so many different varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to liven up your shady areas and add a unique touch to your yard.
