When we want to add color to the garden, most of us set our sights on flowers. But many leaf-forward plants can outlast and even outcompete those with colorful blossoms. For starters, foliage plants don’t wax and wane or have a limited bloom time. Many can brighten up shady spots. And they also tend to be lower maintenance since they don’t need pruning or deadheading to keep blooming or look their best. Foliage plants can add depth, texture and contrast to beds and containers. There are many species, varieties and cultivars to choose from, including Coleus, coral bells, little bluestem and sweet potato vines.
