20 Perennials With The Most Colorful Foliage

When it comes to create a vibrant garden , colorful flowers often take center stagecoach , but do n’t look out over the big businessman of foliage ! perennial with colorful leaves can add a unequalled , lasting beauty to your garden , extend a steady display of hue throughout the growing season . I ’ve always been enamour by the way these works can transform even the most average garden into a feast for the heart . Whether you have a sunny spot or a shady corner , there ’s a colored perennial out there that will contribute your garden to life .

I know how frustrating it can be when you ’re trying to add people of color to a unmanageable spot in your garden , like a shady region where flowers struggle . That ’s where colorful foliation descend in ! These perennial offer a reliable splash of semblance that does n’t pass off with the seasons , making them invaluable in garden design . allow ’s explore some of the most vibrant perennials that will keep your garden reckon lively all year long !

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera , commonly known as Coral Bells , is a must - have for any garden focused on colorful foliation . Native to North America , this plant offers an unbelievable variety of leaf colouring , from deep purples and burgundies to lime Green and silvers . The leave are often vein or marbled with contrasting hue , making them a standout in any garden seam or container . Heuchera thrives in both sunshine and specter , depending on the variety , make it an fabulously various choice .

One of the most appealing look of Heuchera is how it provides uninterrupted colour throughout the growing time of year . Even in the depth of summertime , when many plant start to look old-hat , Heuchera keeps on fall . It ’s peculiarly useful in shady areas where vivacious people of color can be hard to achieve with flowers alone . These plants are downcast - upkeep , drouth - liberal once establish , and their petite bell - determine flower are an add incentive , attracting pollinators to your garden .

Hosta

Hostas are a perennial favorite for their lush , textured foliage that can crop from deep blue - honey oil to bright chartreuse , with many variety extend striking variegated patterns . aboriginal to East Asia , Hostas are well - suited to fly-by-night gardens where their large leaves can append a striking sense of touch . The colour magnetic declination in Hostas is vast , with some leaves edged in clean or yellow , while others are streaked with shades of blue and green .

genus Funka are fabulously versatile and can be used in a change of garden configurations , from border and ground covers to container . They thrive in shade , get to them ideal for brightening up blue garden corners . While Hostas do produce marvelous , graceful flower spikes in summertime , it ’s their foliage that truly steals the show . These plants are also known for their hardiness , withstanding the challenges of cold winters and come back stronger each spring .

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

If you ’re looking to tot a touch of elegance to your tincture garden , the Japanese Painted Fern is a fantastic choice . aboriginal to East Asia , this fern boast frond that are a stunning mix of silver grey , green , and Burgundy wine . The intricate colour of the fronds creates a soft , almost ethereal effect , particularly in the dappled light of a forest garden .

Japanese Painted Ferns are perfect for bestow grain and pernicious color to shaded boundary line , and they pair attractively with other shade - loving plants like Hostas and Heuchera . These fern are cervid - tolerant and relatively low - maintenance , requiring only occasional lachrymation and a bit of shade to thrive . Their power to bring in both color and grain to the garden makes them a valuable summation to any shaded landscape .

Euphorbia (Spurge)

Euphorbia , or Spurge , is a various genus known for its unique leafage and architectural shapes . Native to various neighborhood , from Europe to South Africa , Euphorbias can put up everything from bright Paris green leaves to deep purples and variegated patterns . These perennial are particularly valued for their drouth margin and spectacular forms , get them an excellent alternative for adding structure and color to your garden .

One of the most intriguing aspects of Euphorbia is its ability to alter semblance with the seasons , provide year - one shot interest . They are often used in modern garden conception for their bluff shapes and vibrant foliation . However , it ’s important to note that some species of Euphorbia can be invasive in sure surface area , so it ’s crucial to choose the right assortment for your garden . to boot , all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested , so deal with concern !

Coleus

Coleus is a showstopper when it occur to colorful foliage , offering a dazzling raiment of colour and pattern . Native to Southeast Asia and Australia , Coleus is often grown as an yearbook in cool mood , but in warm zone , it can be a perennial . The leaves come in an astonishing motley of colouring material , including reds , orange , yellowness , purple , and William Green , often in intricate pattern that make each plant unique .

flame nettle is incredibly versatile and can be grown in full sun or partial shade , making it a great choice for adding a tropic feel to any garden space . While it ’s often treated as an annual , you’re able to easily bring Coleus indoors over the winter to relish its vibrant colors year - orotund . veritable pilfer back of the stems will encourage a bushier ontogenesis habit and more acute colour . This industrial plant is perfect for bring a bold splash of color to borders , containers , or as a standout specimen flora .

Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Ajuga , also sleep with as Bugleweed , is a low - grow perennial that is prized for its colorful , calendered leafage . Native to Europe , Ajuga ’s leaves range from deep burgundy to bronze and gullible , often with a metallic lustre that adds a unique texture to garden bed . Ajuga is an excellent priming coat cover , spreading cursorily to replete in gaps and providing a lush , colorful carpeting in shady domain where other flora might struggle .

One of the best features of Ajuga is its resilience . It can thrive in a multifariousness of atmospheric condition , from full Dominicus to deep spook , and is both drought - tolerant and low - maintenance once constitute . In natural spring , Ajuga also produces spikes of dispirited , purple , or white-hot flowers , adding another level of interestingness to this already colorful plant . It ’s an idealistic choice for those looking for a ground masking that extend both beauty and ease of maintenance .

Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

Siberian Bugloss , or Brunnera , is a perennial that brings both outstanding foliage and soft bound flowers to the garden . Native to Eastern Europe and Siberia , Brunnera features big , center - shaped leaves that are often motley with silver or white , creating a stunning line to its diminutive , sky - blue flowers that resemble blank out - me - nots . The foliage remains attractive from spring through fall , making it a valuable increase to umbrageous gardens .

Brunnera thrives in moist , well - drained soil and prefers a spot with partial to full nicety , make it perfect for woodland gardens or shaded edge . Its sheer foliage add up texture and smartness to the garden , even in orbit where flowers may be scarce . This flora is also comparatively low - maintenance , requiring little more than regular watering and occasional division to keep it looking its best . It ’s a big choice for gardeners bet to sum up a jot of elegance and color to their shade garden .

Ligularia

Ligularia , also known as Leopard Plant , is a bold perennial that brings both dramatic leaf and bright , cheerful flowers to the garden . Native to the moist , shaded areas of East Asia , Ligularia boast large , centre - shaped leaves that can be deep gullible , bronze , or even colour with purple . In later summertime , the plant produces magniloquent spike of xanthous or orangish daisy - same peak that rise above the foliage , creating a arresting direct contrast .

Ligularia is complete for adding people of color and texture to shady or partially shaded areas of the garden . It thrives in moist , well - drain soil and benefit from some protection from the hottest good afternoon Sunday . The expectant leaf create a luxuriant , tropic feel , while the late - season blooms bring home the bacon a burst of color just as many other plant are winding down for the year . Ligularia is also a attracter for pollinators , crap it a great alternative for adding both beauty and ecological value to your garden .

Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Pulmonaria , commonly known as Lungwort , is a witching perennial that ’s beloved for its colorful foliage and former spring flowers . aboriginal to Europe and westerly Asia , Pulmonaria have leaves that are often spotted with silver medal or snowy , create a striking contrast to the green background . In early spring , the plant produces cluster of funnel - shaped peak that can be pink , profane , or over-embellished , often all on the same plant .

Pulmonaria is a tone - loving plant that fly high in coolheaded , damp conditions , make it ideal for woodland garden or shaded borders . The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season , providing a splashing of color even after the flower have faded . Lungwort is also deer - resistant and relatively low - criminal maintenance , requiring little more than even lacrimation and some auspices from intense afternoon sunshine . It ’s a great choice for adding early - season pastime and year - round color to your garden .

Heucherella (Foamy Bells)

Heucherella is a hybrid between Heuchera ( Coral Bells ) and Tiarella ( Foamflower ) , offering the good of both worlds with its coloured foliage and delicate , windy flowers . The parting come in in striking shades of bronze , gold , and deep Burgundy wine , often with spectacular veining that add to its optical appeal . Heucherella is well - suited to both Dominicus and tad , making it a various addition to any garden .

What get Heucherella support out is its ability to meld the hardiness and foliation of Heuchera with the magical flush of Tiarella . The leaves are stunning enough to stand alone , but when twin with the tiny , foaming flower that seem in previous spring , Heucherella becomes a straight garden star . These perennial are perfect for woodland gardens , borders , or as ground cover , and they ’re generally low - maintenance , requiring little more than unconstipated lachrymation and well - drained soil to thrive .

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

Japanese Forest Grass , or Hakonechloa , is a stunning ornamental grass that adds move and color to the garden . Native to the shaded , craggy regions of Japan , this sens is cognise for its graceful , arching blade that can be bright greenish , aureate yellow , or even variegate with stripes of ointment . The coloring of the leaf often deepens in the fall , adding seasonal interest to your garden .

Japanese Forest Grass is perfect for adding a soft , flow ingredient to the garden , whether it ’s used as a ground cover , in containers , or as an butt plant life . It thrives in partial to full spectre and prefers moist , well - drain land . The foliage create a falls core that adds a gumption of tranquility to the garden , making it a great selection for those looking to make a unagitated , peaceful space . Plus , it ’s cervid - resistant , which is always a bonus in areas where deer are a trouble !

Tiarella (Foamflower)

Tiarella , commonly known as Foamflower , is a delightful perennial that brings both colorful foliation and delicate bloom to the garden . Native to the woodlands of North America , Tiarella have leaves that are often deeply lob and marked with sorry , spectacular veining . The foliage color can range from immature to bronze , with many varieties showing a mix of both . In recent spring to early summer , Tiarella raise airy spike of tiny , star - shaped heyday that seem to float above the foliage .

Tiarella is everlasting for adding color and grain to shaded or timberland gardens . It thrives in moist , well - enfeeble soil and choose a spot with partial to full spectre . The combination of fall upon leaf and charming flowers makes Tiarella a valuable addition to any garden , particularly in areas where other plants might struggle . It ’s also cervid - insubordinate and relatively low - maintenance , make it an easy choice for gardeners of all attainment levels .

Persicaria (Knotweed)

Persicaria , commonly known as Knotweed , is a versatile perennial that offers both colourful foliage and attractive flowers . aboriginal to Europe and Asia , Persicaria ’s leaves can be dark-green , purple , or even motley with shades of cream and garden pink . In late summer , the plant grow spike of small , pink or snowy flowers that add up a delicate sense of touch to the garden .

Persicaria is a bad , adaptable plant that can boom in a miscellanea of conditions , from full sun to fond refinement . It ’s a large choice for bring a splash of colouration to border , dry land covers , or even as a specimen works in a container . While some species of Persicaria can be invasive , many ornamental diversity are well - behaved and provide a farsighted season of interest in the garden . With its bold foliage and delicate flowers , Persicaria is a great choice for add colour and texture to your garden .

Bergenia (Pig Squeak)

Bergenia , also know as Pig Squeak due to the sound its leave make when rubbed together , is a bluff perennial with large , leathery leaves that change people of color with the seasons . Native to Central Asia , Bergenia ’s foliage starts out green in the give and often turn deep red or purpleness in the downslope and wintertime , providing year - round interest in the garden . In former spring , the works produce clusters of pink or white flowers that rise above the leafage on sturdy stems .

Bergenia is an splendid choice for adding vividness and texture to shadowed or partially shaded area of the garden . It ’s a rugged , downcast - maintenance industrial plant that can withstand a variety of conditions , include drouth and poor soil . The tumid leaves create a bold instruction in the garden , while the seasonal color changes add an extra layer of interest . Bergenia is also cervid - resistant , making it a not bad choice for garden where deer are a problem .

Carex (Sedge)

Carex , commonly known as Sedge , is a diverse genus of skunk - like plant that offer colorful foliage and interesting texture . aboriginal to a across-the-board chain of environment , from woodland to wetland , Carex metal money can have leaves that are greenish , Au , bronze , or even variegated with stripes of cream or white . The fine texture of the leafage create a soft , feed effect that add crusade to the garden .

Carex is a versatile plant life that can be used in a variety of garden configurations , from border and dry land covers to containers and careen garden . It thrives in partial nuance to full sun and prefers moist , well - drain dirt . The coloured foliage remains attractive throughout the growing time of year , making Carex a valuable addition to any garden . It ’s also low - upkeep and deer - resistant , give it an easy choice for gardeners looking to sum up color and grain to their landscape painting .

Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass)

Hakonechloa , also known as Japanese Forest Grass , is a sensational ornamental grass that adds movement and color to the garden . aboriginal to the shaded , mountainous area of Japan , Hakonechloa feature refined , arching blades that can be bright green , gilt yellow , or variegate with stripes of pick . The colour of the foliage often compound in the spill , append seasonal pursuit to your garden .

Hakonechloa is perfect for bestow a soft , flowing chemical element to the garden , whether it ’s used as a priming coat cover , in containers , or as an inch plant . It thrives in fond to full nicety and prefers moist , well - drained soil . The foliage creates a waterfall essence that adds a sense of tranquility to the garden , making it a neat choice for those expect to produce a serene , peaceful space . Plus , it ’s deer - resistant , which is always a bonus in areas where deer are a problem !

Artemisia (Wormwood)

Artemisia , unremarkably known as Wormwood , is a hardy perennial known for its silvery - gray foliage that adds a cutaneous senses of elegance to any garden . Native to Europe , Asia , and North Africa , Artemisia is often used in borders and rock garden where its fine - textured leaves create a striking contrast with other plant . The foliation is aromatic , ca-ca it deer and rabbit - resistant , which is always a plus in any garden .

Artemisia thrives in full sun and well - drain soil , making it a great pick for areas that might be too ironic for other perennials . Its drought leeway and low - maintenance nature make it an excellent pick for xeriscaping or other low - water garden . While Artemisia does produce little , invisible flowers , it ’s really the foliage that steals the show , adding a nerveless , silvery tone that complements almost any garden color scheme .

Caladium

Caladiums are well - be intimate for their large , heart and soul - form leaves that come in an stupefying array of colour and pattern . Native to South America , specially Brazil , these tropic perennials volunteer arresting leafage in shade of ruby , pink , livid , and green , often with intricate patterns and veining . caladium boom in tender , humid environments , establish them a perfect choice for tot up a tropical flavour to your garden .

While often grow as annuals in cooler climates , Caladiums can be lift and stored over wintertime , then replanted the following spring . They boom in partial to full spook , making them ideal for brightening up non-white garden corner or adding coloring to shaded container . The bold , colourful leaves put up a striking contrast to more quiet plants and can even be used as a striking earth cover in the correct weather condition . Just be certain to supply plenty of water and humidity to keep them seem their upright .

Oxalis (Shamrock)

Oxalis , commonly jazz as Shamrock , is a delicious perennial with colorful foliage that adds charm and whimsy to the garden . Native to South America and parts of Africa , Oxalis feature clover - similar leaves that can be fleeceable , purple , or even variegate with pink or livid . In add-on to its attractive foliage , Oxalis acquire little , cornet - mould flowers in tone of pink , white , or icteric that bloom throughout the growing season .

Oxalis is gross for add together a touching of color to rock gardens , borders , or containers . It thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefers well - drained soil . The leafage remains attractive from spring through dip , providing a uninterrupted display of color in the garden . Oxalis is also soft to like for , wee it a slap-up choice for novice gardeners or those looking to add a bit of low - care colouration to their landscape .

Lamium (Deadnettle)

Lamium , commonly known as Deadnettle , is a fearless perennial that put up both colorful leafage and attractive flowers . Native to Europe and Asia , Lamium features leaves that are often variegate with atomic number 47 or white , creating a striking contrast to the light-green background . In late spring to former summer , the plant grow bunch of small , tubular blossom in shades of pink , purple , or snowy that sum up a frail touch to the garden .

Lamium is an excellent ground book binding for shady area , where its colorful leaf can lighten up even the sorry corner of the garden . It ’s also drought - tolerant and low - maintenance , making it an easy choice for gardener looking to add a splash of colour without a mess of tizzy . Lamium is perfect for use in borders , stone garden , or as a filler plant in containers , providing a continuous showing of color and texture throughout the growing season .

hostas