Big Textured Plants Newsletter
Looking for large-leaved statement plants? Here are some of my favorite large texture plants with links to more detailed information in our Library.
Alocasia
Elephant ears (Alocasia) – this perennial has dramatically large foliage and is tougher than is sometimes reported. For a big leafed plant, this one behaves itself well and doesn’t spread aggressively.
Elephant ears (Colocasia) – this elephant ears spreads more readily than its cousin Alocasia but is even more cold hardy.
Cashmere bouquet – this large leaf perennial is pretty and attracts pollinators well but it needs to planted in a bed where it can’t escape. When it get loose, it can be very invasive.
Rice paper plant – huge leaves and a very nice texture but invasive this perennial is. If you don’t mind some regular work to keep it under control, this plant makes a distinctive landscape plant.
Hoja santa – this perennial herb is one of my favorites. It does spread but is easy to keep under control. The large leaves are terrific and the long skinny white flowers are a nice feature.
Oakleaf hydrangea – this is one of my favorite hydrangeas and certainly has the best foliage that often has good red fall color. The white flowers in spring are also dramatic.
Bananas – Bananas will perennialize farther north than often thought, although lack of enough warm weather will usually prevent a successful fruit crop. The large tropical leaves give a pleasant tropical feature.
Cyperus – this aquatic perennial also called umbrella plant provides excellent foliage texture change and will adapt to normally moist soils.
Aralia – this evergreen shrub has nice large leaves, distinctive texture and gives a pleasant tropical effect. It is a little more cold-sensitive than the other plants in this list but worth a try.
Giant Leopard Plant – this dramatic perennial has huge rounded leaves and nice yellow flowers late in the season. It is good for shady perennial gardens and large containers.
Angel’s trumpet – this beautiful plant has lovely hanging flowers as well as large dramatic leaves.
Naturally yours,
Howard Garrett
The Dirt Doctor