Leafing out

Foliage plants have always been important in gardens because of their ability to fill areas with lush greenery and provide a good backdrop for showy blooms. These plants perform the same roles in pots. Additionally, there are so many different tones and textures of green on the market today it’s very easy to create a showpiece container from foliage plants alone.

For large focal-point containers, small euonymus shrubs surrounding a bamboo provide good contrast in variegation, form and colour. A smaller planting better suited for shady areas would be variegated ivy surrounding ornamental grass.

Hostas are also super for containers in very shady locations and they have the added attraction of being tough. They are able to withstand drought but are happiest when sopping wet. Two others that perform just as well in pots as in the garden are coral bells and lady’s mantle.

For hanging pots consider adding creeping jenny, a flat-leaved trailing plant that can grow two-foot long strands in one season. All of the above are perennial and can be taken out of the pot and sunk in the ground over winter. Annuals however are a one-season affair, unless you plan on bringing some into the house over the winter.

Some foliage annuals include:

Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare minus) which is stunning mixed with pink or purple flowers but beware - this plant does have a very robust habit and can overtake a partner if paired with something that is not as vigorous.

Coleus are certainly worthy of being planted in a container for solo performances and what a wide selection to choose from. Two of them are: 'Amazon' with ruffled, puckered, pointed leaves of pure chartreuse, and 'Black Magic' - a regal cultivar with each deep wine-purple leaf neatly brushed along its scalloped edges with lime green.

Don’t overlook the value of herbal foliage in containers as well. It handles the triple job of looking good, smelling great and tasting sensational. Golden oregano is one that comes to mind. Mint is a strong second, with vigorous, wonderfully scented leaf production. Just don’t let it dry out.