Listen, I like flowers as much as the next guy … um I mean … as the next gardener who is male … never mind. I dig flowers and I am damn proud of it. But, my true love, the one that gives me reason to get my hands dirty and full of nasty blisters is none other than … the foliage.
I am consumed with foliage and it’s different textures, different colors, different shapes and how it changes from season to season. To me, that is the essence of gardening. I am by no means an expert, but I do get annoyed when I see garden design decisions being based solely on flower color. While I see bloom color being a factor in the overall decision making process, it is typically a factor for a short period of time (albeit a strong one) and then is gone. The plant shape, size, texture and foliage color are so much more impactful on the overall scheme of the design.
With that in mind, I thought I would share some of my favorite foliage photos. As I reviewed these, I got all sorts of fired up and “en fuego”, so take a deep breath and get ready to be dazzled.
When you think hydrangea you immediately think about the impressive blooms. But the foliage color and shape is phenomenal both pre and post bloom:
The phenomenal color of the Hypericum ‘Albury Purple’ (St. John’s wort) enhanced after a rainfall:
Hibiscus blooms are prolific, but how can you not like the color, shape and texture of it’s leaves:
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| Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ |
Newly emerging foliage often takes on a unique look that allows it to stand out in the spring. Like with this Ninebark ‘Diablo’:
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| Ninebark ‘Diablo’ |
Some times, the simple act of foliage filling in quickly in the spring, with a promise of what is to come is enough for me:
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| Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ (Catmint) |
Geranium blooms are all that, but I’ve come to appreciate the lacy foliage and find it to be a great contrast perennial, especially when placed next to other perennials with more bold foliage:
Speaking of bold foliage, I finally came to grasp the concept of utilizing this concept (preferably in small doses). I have two Yucca ‘Golden Sword’ located in my front bed and they have acted as a true focal point, even into the winter:
I have long been obsessed with using yellow/chartreuse foliage color. I have tried real hard to not overdo it. These dwarf spireas provide a nice punch of color along my front entry and I honestly find the blooms take away from the shrub. I will often cut black the blooms in an effort to keep the foliage pristine:
I have a ton of Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’ under my shade trees and they will change foliage color from spring to fall as the trees fill in and the amount of shade increases:
And then there are those plants where the foliage is really all it has to offer and damn do they look good:
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| Hosta ‘Guacamole’ |
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| Sedum ‘Red Carpet’ |
And finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t include my absolute favorite foliage type of all, the ornamental grass:
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| Miscanthus ‘Gracillimus’ |
ONG
So, what you’re basically saying is that you’re a foliage guy and flowers are secondary? OK.. I’m cool with that.. I can agree.. 🙂
I do love foliage, but sometimes have to stop and remind myself to really consider it while choosing plants. I’m too often disappointed by plants which I’ve chose based solely on their flowers…but rarely disappointed in plants chosen with foliage in mind. I actually hate hibiscus blossoms, but love the red foliage of certain cultivars. I also think hydrangeas are at their most beautiful in the fall, when their flowers fade and the foliage turns such lovely colors.
I can definetely relate to that. In Australia, most of our garden shows really emphasize the need to consider the foliage. We love the different grasses, like flax etc. Fantastic textures, and colors.
Cheers,
Lisa
Awesome post, man! However……….
You opened up Pandora’s box!
You used “flowers”, “guy” and “male” in the same sentence. Gee, that was brave. Very brave!
They were baby steps, right?
Now what do you plan to do for an encore?
No one except you has the self effacing sense of humor to break the silence on this topic.
If you write the first post, I will follow it up with one of my own.
There’s definitely some nice foliage. I especially like hydrangea leaves too.
Leslie – yes, I officially declare myself a foliage guy.
Scott – couldn’t agree more with your sentiments
Lisa – I am a grass freak and can’t wait to see the results of what I planted last fall.
Allan – you are on! already started the rough draft of the post you suggested. Will then look to you to post on the same topic. Sweet!
Meems – Love, love the hydrangea foliage, assuming it has been well watered of course.
Those ajugas are nice, but the yellow-edged foliage pops in your cloudier place so well.
My father’s boss, a 6′-5″ Royal Air Force officer, loved growing sunflowers; a past client – a 6-3 guy – is way into roses, while his wife was into the desert plants!
But I think foliage and form rule…if plants like you show are the icing on the cake, flowers are the sprinkles.
Thanks so much for following my blog! Your foliage pictures are absolutely lovely.
– Cloud
I am so glad you added Granny Mountain to follow so that I could find your great blog! You landscape a lot like we do, love the many shades of green! We live in deep woods with a herd of hungry deer so it’s challenging to say the least! Today it’s all about the snow, a foot already on the ground with 16 predicted. I look forward to reading your blog today!