Large foliage plants

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
rosekitty Surrey, Canada Jan 31, 2009

Can anyone recommend some large foliage plants for a sunny garden? I like the look of Gunnera but find it almost too big (although I have seen a smaller leafed one but am not sure of the name). I also love the look of Castor Bean but wonder how hard this is to grow each year from seed. I really hope someone can help me out.

Post #6074850
Quote
RosemaryA Toronto, ON(Zone 5b) Jan 31, 2009

I haven't grown it myself, but it's considered easy. See http://www.ehow.com/how_14010_grow-castor-bean.html

You might like rhubarb, which looks like a smaller version of gunnera:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1863/
http://www.gardeningpatch.com/vegetable/growing-rhubarb.aspx
It's a perennial which thrived with zero attention in my parent's old garden in the Ottawa Valley.

Amaranth is another big easy to grow annual for sunny gardens. 'Velvet Curtains' (a dark red cultivar) volunteered in our garden a couple of years ago (seed must have blown in from a neighbours). http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/71460/
There are a number of varieties in different colours and with different types of flowers.

Post #6075103
Quote
cando1 Ozone, AR(Zone 6a) Jan 31, 2009

I've grown Castor Beans and they are easy to grow but you have to start them inside as they have a long growing season. The seeds are very poisinous so wash your hands after handling the seeds. They have beautiful large leaves.

If you are looking for a vine i grew a gourd plant in a flower bed once and it made the most beautiful vine with large leaves and even made a few gourds. I trained it to grow up a tree tho it got full morning sun.

Sun flowers also make large leaves and flowers and birds love the seeds.
Lions Ears also make large leaves.

Post #6075313
Quote
rosekitty Surrey, Canada Feb 01, 2009

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will try all and see what works the best this year. I had planned on Sunflowers for sure because of all the birds we have here and want to be an even better provider to them :) I do have rhubarb in my back yard and actually like the leaves of it so may put some of it out front.

Post #6080452
Quote
DebiH Fort Payne, AL Feb 10, 2009

If you're looking for something tall, you might consider some of the cannas grown for foliage...some of the colors are so amazing that the flowers are sort of incidental.

Strangely enough (?unless it's normal?) our giant elephant ears grow fabulously well in our sun garden.

Post #6118262
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP