When we think of flower beds, the first image that comes to mind is a vibrant array of flowers in various colors, creating a cheerful and inviting display. Flowers usually steal the show in landscape designs, with foliage and greenery playing a supporting role. But why not give center stage to plants where the leaves are the main attraction? Here are some suggestions for incorporating eye-catching foliage into your flower beds for a guaranteed wow factor.
Plants with enormous leaves
Some plants, whether annuals or perennials, boast enormous leaves that can evoke a Jurassic era. These massive plants will lend a jungle-like feel to any garden.
Chinese rhubarb
Ornamental rhubarb features very large, palm-shaped green leaves with reddish veins, creating a striking contrast in flower beds. This giant plant also produces large, red plume-like flower clusters in late spring. Although it tolerates full sun, its foliage is at its best in partial shade. Chinese rhubarb is a perennial that thrives in moist, organic-rich soil and is purely ornamental – it is not edible.
Astilboide
The leaves of astilboides are so large they could double as an umbrella. With their lovely apple-green colour, its round, lobed leaves rest on a thick petiole that can exceed a meter in height. Plant this perennial in partial shade, in rich, well-drained soil, preferably shielded from strong winds. Keep the soil moist.
Colocasia
Known as Elephant Ears, colocasia’s leaves resemble the ears of the pachyderm due to their enormous size. As it doesn’t tolerate Quebec winters, it is treated as an annual or, better yet, as an indoor plant that enjoys summer outdoors. Colocasia comes in a range of colours from light to dark green and even black or purple. They thrive in warmth and humidity, and work well both in pots and in the ground.
Plants with colourful foliage
For a splash of color in your landscape, certain foliage plants make a vibrant statement. Depending on the effect you’re aiming for, you may consider:
Coleus
Coleus offers a multitude of colours: yellow, orange, red, green, purple, and more. Often, two or three shades will blend to create a burst of color. To maintain its vivid hues, coleus needs light but should ideally be protected from the harsh midday sun. Partial shade is ideal. Whether in a pot or in the ground, it definitely has a wow factor. It can also be grown indoors near a window during winter.
Heuchera
Heuchera is a perennial well known for its beautiful foliage, available in an array of colours such as golden yellow, lime green, caramel, and even a purple so dark it appears black. Additionally, heuchera produces flower spikes with numerous tiny blooms, adding a light, airy touch. It is a hardy, resilient plant that tolerates various lighting conditions and requires rich, well-drained soil.
Senecio Angel Wings
With its thick, silvery, and fluffy leaves, Senecio Angel Wings adds a touch of light to garden designs. It can be kept indoors during winter and thrives in full sun to partial shade in rich, well-drained soil. It’s suitable for both pots and garden beds.
Graphic plants
Some plants surprise with their spiky growth, unique leaf shapes, or structural qualities, adding distinctive elements to garden designs:
Fétuque bleue
Blue fescue is a grass with thin, blue-green leaves forming a round tuft. It may look spiky, but it is actually quite soft. This resilient and easy-to-grow plant enjoys full sun and can tolerate dry soil. Remove the dry outer leaves and water only during drought.
Sea lavender
Sea lavender has beautiful, wooly leaves with a lacy appearance in silver-gray. Since it remains low, it’s ideal for creating contrasts in gardens or pots. It thrives in sunny, well-drained, and not overly rich soil, making it perfect for hot, dry spots. It produces yellow flower heads that can be removed or left, depending on your preference.
Fern
Ferns, with their lacy fronds, bring beautiful structure to gardens. They are ideal for shady areas and woodlands. Choose a wind-protected location, as they tend to dry out and lose leaves quickly. There are many varieties of ferns, one for every garden. They prefer rich, moist soil and grow quickly.
Utilize plants with unique foliage to craft your garden designs. Our experts can help you find different, interesting varieties that will create extraordinary flower beds and containers. Come visit us!
