The Art of Selecting Plants with Colored Foliage for Your Garden

Understanding the Palette of Colored Foliage

Garden centers and nurseries offer an extensive selection of plants with foliage in hues of reddish-purple, golden-yellow, silver, and grey, as well as various types of variegated leaves. These plants range from towering trees to low-growing ground covers, each with the potential to bring a unique element to your garden. However, the key to successful garden design is restraint; colored foliage should complement, not overwhelm, the green that typically dominates a garden's palette.

The Role of Green in Garden Design

Green foliage serves as the backbone of most garden designs, providing a calming and cohesive backdrop for other elements. When incorporating plants with colored leaves, use them sparingly to create emphasis, contrast, or a focal point without detracting from the overall green framework.

Categories of Colored Foliage

Colored foliage can be broadly categorized into four groups, each with its own design considerations:

Red or Deep-Purple Foliage

Plants with red or deep-purple leaves, such as Prunus pisardii (a small plum tree) and Cotinus coggygria (a large shrub), can create a striking visual impact. However, overuse can lead to a gloomy garden atmosphere. Euphorbia cotinifolia, when pruned annually to maintain a height of 1-2 meters, offers stunning beauty, especially in mild winter regions. Berberis thunbergii is another staple for its richly colored leaves.

For Mediterranean climates, consider bedding plants like varieties of Joyweed (Alternanthera), which can sustain an herbaceous border through the long, hot summer. In colder regions, treat these as annuals.

Golden-Colored Foliage

Golden foliage offers a more subtle contrast. When selecting these plants, match the size and shape of their leaves to those of nearby green-leaved plants for a harmonious effect. Melaleuca 'Revolution Gold' and 'Green Dome' blend well with junipers and other Melaleuca species. Duranta erecta 'Golden' pairs nicely with shrubs like Cotoneaster and Myrtle but should not be placed next to coarse-leaved plants like Hibiscus.

Variegated Leaves

Variegated plants are often misused by inexperienced gardeners who plant them in excess, diminishing their unique appeal. They are most effective in shady areas, where they create a dappled-light effect, but can appear unhealthy in full sun.

Grey and Silver-Leaves

Grey and silver-leaved plants are versatile and can enhance Mediterranean-style gardens without appearing cliché. They are less suitable for tropical settings. Species like Grey Owl Juniper and Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens) can be striking, especially when contrasted with red-leaved plants. In herb gardens, silver-leaved plants like Lavender, Artemisia, and Sage are aesthetically pleasing and functional, while grey-leaved grasses such as Festuca glauca add texture to borders.

Designing with Colored Foliage: Tips and Tricks

When designing your garden with colored foliage, consider the following tips:

• Use colored foliage as an accent to draw the eye and create focal points.
• Balance the use of colored foliage with green plants to maintain harmony.
• Consider the texture and shape of leaves when pairing colored foliage with other plants.
• Be mindful of the light requirements for variegated and colored-leaf plants to ensure their health and vibrancy.
• Remember that less is often more; a few well-placed plants with colored foliage can have a greater impact than many scattered throughout the garden.

By thoughtfully selecting and positioning plants with colored foliage, you can elevate the beauty and interest of your garden throughout the year.