Gardening Guides
Flowers and Plants
9 Plants With Amazing Foliage for Summer
Add some standout foliage plants to take your summer landscape to the next level
With foliage colors ranging from black to white, and pretty much every hue and variation in between, annuals and perennials can provide your garden with spring-to-fall color that won’t fade when your summer flowers stop blooming. Better yet, they combine their eye-catching colors with intriguing foliage shapes and textures, including some that can give gardens in some of the coldest regions a tropical vibe.
Listed below are nine easy-care plants that can be planted from seeds, seedlings and cuttings this spring, and they’ll soon be brightening up your landscape. Use them to fill a container, add punch to a garden bed or border or create a larger-than-life accent.
Listed below are nine easy-care plants that can be planted from seeds, seedlings and cuttings this spring, and they’ll soon be brightening up your landscape. Use them to fill a container, add punch to a garden bed or border or create a larger-than-life accent.
2. Caladium
(Caladium bicolor)
This American native adds a tropical element to a garden, thanks to its foliage, which is splotched with shades of white, silver, pink, rose, red, bronze or green. Choose a spot with shade or filtered sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. Plant tubers point-side up about 1 to 1½ inches deep and 8 to 14 inches apart. Feed with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Keep the soil moist and mulch to preserve moisture. Dig and store in fall or grow as an annual.
Caution: Sap can cause mouth and throat to swell if eaten by people or pets.
Origin: Central America and northern South America
Where it will grow: Hardy to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius (Zone 12 and above); grow as an annual elsewhere
Mature size: 8 to 24 inches tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
When to plant: Once temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius
(Caladium bicolor)
This American native adds a tropical element to a garden, thanks to its foliage, which is splotched with shades of white, silver, pink, rose, red, bronze or green. Choose a spot with shade or filtered sunlight and rich, well-drained soil. Plant tubers point-side up about 1 to 1½ inches deep and 8 to 14 inches apart. Feed with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Keep the soil moist and mulch to preserve moisture. Dig and store in fall or grow as an annual.
Caution: Sap can cause mouth and throat to swell if eaten by people or pets.
Origin: Central America and northern South America
Where it will grow: Hardy to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius (Zone 12 and above); grow as an annual elsewhere
Mature size: 8 to 24 inches tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
When to plant: Once temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius
3. Japanese Painted Fern
(Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
Green may be the traditionally accepted color for ferns, but the Japanese painted fern proves that’s not a given. Its finely divided fronds are gray and burgundy, although you still may spot a bit of green on the plant. This fern adds brightness and unexpected color to a shady spot in your garden. Even better, it has few insects and pests and can handle both the cold and wet feet (roots). Its fronds appear in mid-spring and will still look fresh in fall.
(Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
Green may be the traditionally accepted color for ferns, but the Japanese painted fern proves that’s not a given. Its finely divided fronds are gray and burgundy, although you still may spot a bit of green on the plant. This fern adds brightness and unexpected color to a shady spot in your garden. Even better, it has few insects and pests and can handle both the cold and wet feet (roots). Its fronds appear in mid-spring and will still look fresh in fall.
Clockwise from bottom left: Japanese forest grass, small self-seeded hellebores, Japanese painted fern and maidenhair fern
Plant in spring or fall. Look for a moist, shady spot that’s out of the way of high traffic. Amend the soil with organic matter, preferably mushroom compost or composted manure. Provide regular water, making sure the soil does not dry out. Feed throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Leave brown leaves in place until early spring, then cut them back once new fronds appear.
Caution: Can cause gastric distress in children and pets if ingested
Origin: Eastern Asia
Where will it grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and 2½ feet wide
Water requirement: Consistent moisture is best for optimum growth
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; can tolerate more sun in moist soil
When to plant: Spring and fall
Learn more about growing Japanese painted fern
Plant in spring or fall. Look for a moist, shady spot that’s out of the way of high traffic. Amend the soil with organic matter, preferably mushroom compost or composted manure. Provide regular water, making sure the soil does not dry out. Feed throughout the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Leave brown leaves in place until early spring, then cut them back once new fronds appear.
Caution: Can cause gastric distress in children and pets if ingested
Origin: Eastern Asia
Where will it grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and 2½ feet wide
Water requirement: Consistent moisture is best for optimum growth
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; can tolerate more sun in moist soil
When to plant: Spring and fall
Learn more about growing Japanese painted fern
Tropicanna canna
4. Canna
(Canna spp.)
Its bright, showy foliage, which you can enjoy from late spring until the first frost, makes canna a standout foliage plant. The colorful blooms are simply an added bonus. Large, lance-shaped leaves, which can reach 6 feet in size, are known for their stripes of green, red, yellow, purple and blackish-bronze. The flowers are equally stunning in shades of white, yellow, orange, bronze, pink, red and bicolor. Most plants will reach 3 to 6 feet tall, but dwarf varieties will top out at around 2 to 2½ feet.
4. Canna
(Canna spp.)
Its bright, showy foliage, which you can enjoy from late spring until the first frost, makes canna a standout foliage plant. The colorful blooms are simply an added bonus. Large, lance-shaped leaves, which can reach 6 feet in size, are known for their stripes of green, red, yellow, purple and blackish-bronze. The flowers are equally stunning in shades of white, yellow, orange, bronze, pink, red and bicolor. Most plants will reach 3 to 6 feet tall, but dwarf varieties will top out at around 2 to 2½ feet.
Choose a location in full sun with rich, well-draining soil that is out of strong winds. Set rhizomes horizontally about 2 to 4 inches deep and 1½ to 2 feet apart. Add a slow-release fertilizer at planting time and plan to feed again in midsummer. Provide regular water (C. glauca prefers soil to remain wet).
Cut back stems after blooming to encourage more flowers. Divide clumps every three to four years in spring. In colder climates, dig and store bulbs or grow as an annual.
Origin: American tropics and subtropics
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7 and above)
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall; some dwarf varieties reach 2 to 2½ feet tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample while growing and blooming
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the daytime temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 degrees Celsius; in cold-winter climates, start indoors six weeks before the last frost.
Learn more about growing canna
Cut back stems after blooming to encourage more flowers. Divide clumps every three to four years in spring. In colder climates, dig and store bulbs or grow as an annual.
Origin: American tropics and subtropics
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7 and above)
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall; some dwarf varieties reach 2 to 2½ feet tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample while growing and blooming
Light requirement: Full sun
When to plant: Spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the daytime temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 degrees Celsius; in cold-winter climates, start indoors six weeks before the last frost.
Learn more about growing canna
‘Silver Heart’ brunnera
5. Largeleaf Brunnera
(Brunnera macrophylla)
The forget-me-not-like flowers of the largeleaf brunnera, which also goes by the common name of bugloss, have long been the defining characteristic of this perennial, with its lovely dark green heart-shaped leaves taking second place. Thanks to new cultivars, however, the brunnera’s foliage has come into its own, with leaves in shades of white, cream, silver and chartreuse. Given its shade- and cold-tolerance, mounding form, long growing season (from early spring into fall) and, of course, its flowers, it’s an obvious choice for a woodland garden.
5. Largeleaf Brunnera
(Brunnera macrophylla)
The forget-me-not-like flowers of the largeleaf brunnera, which also goes by the common name of bugloss, have long been the defining characteristic of this perennial, with its lovely dark green heart-shaped leaves taking second place. Thanks to new cultivars, however, the brunnera’s foliage has come into its own, with leaves in shades of white, cream, silver and chartreuse. Given its shade- and cold-tolerance, mounding form, long growing season (from early spring into fall) and, of course, its flowers, it’s an obvious choice for a woodland garden.
‘Jack Frost’ brunnera
Choose a spot in partial to full shade with soil that drains well but will still retain moisture. Provide regular water, but you don’t need to fertilize unless your soil is very poor. Divide clumps in fall.
Origin: Turkey
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 9); will not grow well in areas with high summer humidity levels
Mature size: 1 to 1½ feet tall and 1½ to 2½ feet wide
Water requirement: Regular; may be able to handle some drought once established
Light requirement: Partial shade to full shade; newer cultivars may be able to handle full sun, especially in cool-summer climates
When to plant: Spring or fall
Choose a spot in partial to full shade with soil that drains well but will still retain moisture. Provide regular water, but you don’t need to fertilize unless your soil is very poor. Divide clumps in fall.
Origin: Turkey
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 9); will not grow well in areas with high summer humidity levels
Mature size: 1 to 1½ feet tall and 1½ to 2½ feet wide
Water requirement: Regular; may be able to handle some drought once established
Light requirement: Partial shade to full shade; newer cultivars may be able to handle full sun, especially in cool-summer climates
When to plant: Spring or fall
6. Coleus
(Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus is known for colorful foliage that can be in enjoyed in the garden from summer to fall. The combinations of leaf colors on this plant seem endless, with solid or variegated leaves ranging in shades from white to almost black. As if the color wasn’t enough to make you want to grow it, leaf shapes vary from heart-shaped to elongated, textures range from sleek to fuzzy and growth patterns can be rounded, upright or trailing. There’s truly a coleus for everyone.
Though coleus has made its reputation as a houseplant, this fast-growing tender perennial will quickly fill in shady spots in the summer garden, reaching up to 3 feet tall. Unless you live in a tropical area, treat it as an annual. You can also bring cuttings of your favorites indoors before the first frost and root them so you’ll have them ready to go for the following year.
(Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus is known for colorful foliage that can be in enjoyed in the garden from summer to fall. The combinations of leaf colors on this plant seem endless, with solid or variegated leaves ranging in shades from white to almost black. As if the color wasn’t enough to make you want to grow it, leaf shapes vary from heart-shaped to elongated, textures range from sleek to fuzzy and growth patterns can be rounded, upright or trailing. There’s truly a coleus for everyone.
Though coleus has made its reputation as a houseplant, this fast-growing tender perennial will quickly fill in shady spots in the summer garden, reaching up to 3 feet tall. Unless you live in a tropical area, treat it as an annual. You can also bring cuttings of your favorites indoors before the first frost and root them so you’ll have them ready to go for the following year.
‘Florida Gold’ coleus
Choose a partially shady spot, unless you’re growing one of the newer sun-loving cultivars; plants in full shade may not grow as vigorously. You can grow coleus from seed, but cuttings or seedlings will become established more quickly. Provide fertile, well-draining soil that will stay moist but not soggy, and feed on a monthly basis with a half-strength, water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Pinch the stems to encourage branching, and remove the light blue flowers when they appear.
Caution: Toxic if eaten by pets
Origin: Southeast Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius (Zone 10 and above); grow as an annual in most gardens
Mature size: 10 to 36 inches tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; some newer cultivars can handle full sun
When to plant: Spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the evening temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius; or start seeds indoors up to eight weeks before the last frost date
Choose a partially shady spot, unless you’re growing one of the newer sun-loving cultivars; plants in full shade may not grow as vigorously. You can grow coleus from seed, but cuttings or seedlings will become established more quickly. Provide fertile, well-draining soil that will stay moist but not soggy, and feed on a monthly basis with a half-strength, water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer. Pinch the stems to encourage branching, and remove the light blue flowers when they appear.
Caution: Toxic if eaten by pets
Origin: Southeast Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius (Zone 10 and above); grow as an annual in most gardens
Mature size: 10 to 36 inches tall
Water requirement: Regular to ample
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; some newer cultivars can handle full sun
When to plant: Spring, after the danger of frost has passed and the evening temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.6 degrees Celsius; or start seeds indoors up to eight weeks before the last frost date
7. Elephant’s Ear
(Colocasia esculenta)
If you only know elephant’s ear, also known as taro, as the source of poi, the Hawaiian staple, then it’s time to take another look. This fast-growing tropical beauty makes a statement, reaching 6 feet tall with 2½- to 3-foot-long heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, gray-green and purple. If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm-winter climate, elephant’s ear will grace your garden year-round. If not, you can either grow it as an annual or bring it into a sheltered spot that gets enough warmth and light for the winter months.
Choose a spot in filtered shade out of strong winds with fertile, organically rich soil; enrich the soil before planting, if needed. Plant tubers 2 inches deep and 1 to 1½ feet apart. Feed with a half-strength balanced fertilizer about once a month while the plant is growing.
Caution: All parts of the plant may cause indigestion if eaten raw; the sap may also irritate skin.
Origin: Tropical eastern Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius with winter protection (Zone 10 and above); dig and store or grow as an annual elsewhere
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide
Water requirement: Ample
Light requirement: Warm, filtered shade
When to plant: Midspring
(Colocasia esculenta)
If you only know elephant’s ear, also known as taro, as the source of poi, the Hawaiian staple, then it’s time to take another look. This fast-growing tropical beauty makes a statement, reaching 6 feet tall with 2½- to 3-foot-long heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, gray-green and purple. If you’re lucky enough to live in a warm-winter climate, elephant’s ear will grace your garden year-round. If not, you can either grow it as an annual or bring it into a sheltered spot that gets enough warmth and light for the winter months.
Choose a spot in filtered shade out of strong winds with fertile, organically rich soil; enrich the soil before planting, if needed. Plant tubers 2 inches deep and 1 to 1½ feet apart. Feed with a half-strength balanced fertilizer about once a month while the plant is growing.
Caution: All parts of the plant may cause indigestion if eaten raw; the sap may also irritate skin.
Origin: Tropical eastern Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 1.1 degrees Celsius with winter protection (Zone 10 and above); dig and store or grow as an annual elsewhere
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide
Water requirement: Ample
Light requirement: Warm, filtered shade
When to plant: Midspring
Shadowland ‘Waterslide’ hosta
8. Hosta
(Hosta spp.)
This is a tried-and-true perennial for a reason: It’s relatively easy to grow, especially in cold-winter areas, and low maintenance. It’s also a happy understory plant or shrub for shaded locations, providing color from spring through fall. As a bonus, it will attract butterflies.
You’ll find thousands of cultivars with solid and variegated foliage in a wealth of shades of green, as well as creamy white, yellow, gold, blue and even a bright chartreuse. The leaves themselves may be oval, round, heart-shaped or sword-shaped with straight or wavy edges and glossy or matte finishes. Leaf textures also vary, from smooth to quilted or puckered. To be sure you get exactly what you want, buy a plant that has leafed out.
8. Hosta
(Hosta spp.)
This is a tried-and-true perennial for a reason: It’s relatively easy to grow, especially in cold-winter areas, and low maintenance. It’s also a happy understory plant or shrub for shaded locations, providing color from spring through fall. As a bonus, it will attract butterflies.
You’ll find thousands of cultivars with solid and variegated foliage in a wealth of shades of green, as well as creamy white, yellow, gold, blue and even a bright chartreuse. The leaves themselves may be oval, round, heart-shaped or sword-shaped with straight or wavy edges and glossy or matte finishes. Leaf textures also vary, from smooth to quilted or puckered. To be sure you get exactly what you want, buy a plant that has leafed out.
Plant in full or partial shade in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Darker-foliaged plants do best in full shade. Lighter-foliaged plants can handle less shade, and some can even handle sunny spots. Add a balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer at planting time.
Provide regular water. While hostas can take some drought, they won’t do as well. Feed the soil about once a month with a 10-10-10 fertilizer to encourage growth. Remove faded flower stalks and any decayed leaves. Protect from snails and slugs, especially in warm-winter areas. The plants will die back to dormancy in winter.
Caution: Toxic if eaten by pets
Origin: Eastern Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Mature size: 2 inches to 4 feet tall and 4 inches to 5 feet wide
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
When to plant: In spring, once soil can be worked, or fall in warm-winter climates
Learn more about growing hosta
Caution: Toxic if eaten by pets
Origin: Eastern Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Mature size: 2 inches to 4 feet tall and 4 inches to 5 feet wide
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
When to plant: In spring, once soil can be worked, or fall in warm-winter climates
Learn more about growing hosta
9. Persian Shield
(Strobilanthes dyerianus)
Persian shield’s 6- to 8-inch-long puckered, pointed leaves — with a green background, purple undersides and iridescent pinkish-purple and silver highlights — are a stunning and unexpected addition to your landscape. Though they only overwinter in areas that are frost-free or almost frost-free, they’re happy as an annual elsewhere. They’re also a great container plant that’s happy to spend the winter indoors. Highlight them on their own or use their purple and silver foliage as a backdrop for other plants.
(Strobilanthes dyerianus)
Persian shield’s 6- to 8-inch-long puckered, pointed leaves — with a green background, purple undersides and iridescent pinkish-purple and silver highlights — are a stunning and unexpected addition to your landscape. Though they only overwinter in areas that are frost-free or almost frost-free, they’re happy as an annual elsewhere. They’re also a great container plant that’s happy to spend the winter indoors. Highlight them on their own or use their purple and silver foliage as a backdrop for other plants.
Persian shield does best in mostly full sun with some shade during the hottest part of the day. It also likes humidity, although it can handle more arid climates with sun protection and sufficient water. Plant in a spot with rich, well-draining soil. Water regularly and pinch it back while it’s actively growing in spring and summer to keep it bushy. Feed with a half-strength fertilizer in spring and midsummer. If you get occasional frosts, mulch heavily around the plant in fall to provide winter protection. It may die back, but will return in spring. Another choice, and one for those who get regular frost or snow, is to bring it inside.
Origin: Myanmar
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11); may die back but still overwinter in Zone 8 with heavy winter mulching
Mature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring, once the danger of frost has passed
More
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10 Ways to Use Deep Purple Foliage in Your Garden
Browse outdoor pots and planters
Origin: Myanmar
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (zones 9 to 11); may die back but still overwinter in Zone 8 with heavy winter mulching
Mature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring, once the danger of frost has passed
More
How to Avoid Foliage Monotony
10 Ways to Use Deep Purple Foliage in Your Garden
Browse outdoor pots and planters
(Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)
Black mondo grass may be compact, but its matte-black foliage makes it a larger-than-life garden star. This perennial grass-like plant, which is also known as black lilyturf, is easy to grow, cold-hardy, drought-tolerant and produces small lavender flowers in summer and berries in fall. It only reaches about a foot tall, thanks to its drooping 15-inch-long leaves, and spreads to about a foot.
Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil. Provide regular water and some shade in the hottest summer climates. Remove old foliage in late winter or early spring and divide every few years in early spring. Protect from snails and slugs.
Origin: Asia
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 28.9 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 5 to 10; find your zone)
Mature size: 12 inches tall and wide
Water requirement: Moderate to regular, depending on climate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
When to plant: Spring through fall
Learn more about growing black mondo grass