Ricinus communis 'Impala'
Although in its tropical homeland, ricinus is a tree reaching 8m to 12m (25ft to 40ft) high, in the garden it is grown as a dramatic foliage plant to provide a summer highlight in the middle of summer bedding or in large tubs. The seeds must be ... [... more]
BBC |
Rosa glauca
This is a familiar rose in old-fashioned gardens, where it was commonly grown in borders as a foliage plant. The simple open blooms, light to dark pink with bright yellow stamens, appear in large numbers in mid-summer but are fleeting, and it is ... [... more]
BBC |
Pittosporum tobira 'Variegatum'
This tender evergreen shrub is grown for its sweetly scented, creamy white flowers, which appear from late spring to early summer. It also has attractive cream variegated foliage. Plants are found growing wild in China, Korea and Japan. In the ... [... more]
BBC |
Ballota pseudodictamnus
Ballota is a small genus which includes a few dwarf shrubs or subshrubs, almost border perennials in appearance and originating mainly in Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. This species is a neat and attractive foliage plant, evergreen except ... [... more]
BBC |
Musa sikkimensis
This hardy banana makes an excellent addition to the subtropical border or architectural planting scheme. It forms a strong vigorous growing green foliage plant with large oval leaves that have burgundy markings. It is tolerant of most growing ... [... more]
BBC |
Chrysanthemum segetum
These are prolific plants for a sunny well-drained border, covered with bright golden yellow, single daisy-like flowers throughout the main summer season. They flowers are complemented by attractive ferny grey green foliage. Plants will self-seed ... [... more]
BBC |
Artemisia 'Powis Castle'
An invaluable foliage plant, 'Powis Castle' is unique in carrying multi-branched stems of silver filigree foliage, which acts as a superb foil to medium-sized flowering perennials such as pinks or scabious. It lacks the distracting yellow flowers ... [... more]
BBC |
Dryopteris filix-mas 'Linearis'
This deciduous fern forms a large clump of narrow, lance-shaped, green leaves, with slightly darker green midribs. Leaves have a delicate appearance and look stunning planted among contrasting bold foliage plants. This fern requires shade and ... [... more]
BBC |
Heuchera 'Creme Brulee'
All heucheras make attractive foliage plants and this is no exception. The foliage is an unusual combination of bronze and gold which is very distinct from most other foliage plants. It makes a good ground-cover plant for a sunny spot. It also ... [... more]
BBC |
Laurus nobilis
One of the oldest shrubs in cultivation, introduced at least as early as 1650, the Mediterranean sweet bay or bay laurel is an essential foliage plant for herb gardens It is slightly tender while young and benefits from shelter and protection in ... [... more]
BBC |
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
This is a vigorous climber from North America which needs a large garden to be seen to best effect. It makes an attractive foliage plant especially with its fantastic autumn colours. To ensure fiery red foliage in autumn it is best grown in ... [... more]
BBC |
Grevillea penola
An unusual evergreen shrub, Grevillea penola has a dense branching growth habit. The leaves are narrow and needle like with silky hairs beneath giving the plants attractive grey foliage. Plants need a sheltered spot to thrive, in colder areas ... [... more]
BBC |
