Leafy Perennials

Leafy Perennial's offer a lot and the beauty of their foliage can bring a drab area of a garden to life without having to overcrowd with flowers. There are many perennials that are often overlooked but will look fantastic in your garden.

The large sculpted leaves of hostas make them a first choice. They look fantastic draped over pots and I personally have them at the edge of my pond, draping toward the water.

Lungwort despite it's name is a pretty little plant. After the spring display of blue, white or red flowers the leaves take over, forming dense silver-splashed rosettes which look their best in a shady spot in damp soil.

For the front of a sunny border try low-growing lamb's ear, the silvery leaves are thickly felted and the temptation to stroke them is irressistable The tall spikes of purple flower are a bonus.

Investigate the grasses too. Most of the fine-leaved festucas are an intense silver blue and grow into mounded hummocks which look like sleeping hedgehogs.

Ferns though normally associated with moist conditions many will thrive in drier soil so always check the growing instructions. The prettiest of the smaller types is the soft shield fern with lacy fonds of fresh green.

For information on bedding plants that you can place between the perennials for flowering Click leafy perennials