4. Foliage plants. Now don't get me wrong; many foliage plants can also have flowers. The flowers might be dramatic, charming or insignificant, but with these types of plants, it's the foliage that really shines.
Look for options like hostas (Hosta spp, zones 3 to 9), heuchera (Heuchera spp, zones 4 to 9), lamb's ears (Stachys byzantina, zones 4 to 9), Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus, zones 9 to 11) and coleus (Solenostemon spp, zones 10 to 11). Their stunning leaf shapes, colors and sizes play off the more recognizable form of roses.
Shown: Hosta spp and hydrangeas
Arcadia Gardens, LLC
Landscape Architects & Designers
Summer Long Color
Hosta, hydrangea and Knock Out roses provide a strong background for an ever changing selection of annuals.