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Large foliage plants

Discover the bold statement of large foliage plants, where each leaf unfolds a story of grandeur and elegance. At Heijnen Plants, our curated selection of large-leaf perennials offers a lush tapestry of textures and forms, transforming gardens into living art. These architectural wonders are not only visually stunning but also create serene green spaces for rest and rejuvenation. Embrace the majesty of these horticultural treasures and let their impressive presence elevate your landscape to new heights of beauty.

125cm

Acanthus mollis Bear's breech

5-10cm

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4^50From

100cm

Acanthus spinosus Spiny bear's breech

5-10cm

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4^80From

Bergenia cordifolia Heart-leaf bergenia

3^35From

Bergenia cordifolia 'Bressingham White' Elephant's ears

4^65From

100cm

Darmera peltata Indian rhubarb

5-10cm

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4^30From

Hosta fortunei 'Aureomarginata' Gold-edged plantain lily

4^65From

50cm

Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Giant blue hosta

5-10cm

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4^50From

Hosta sieboldiana 'Frances Williams' Plantain lily

4^30From

Hosta undulata 'Mediovariegata' Wavy plantain lily

3^80From

100cm

Ligularia dentata 'Othello' Leopard plant

5-10cm

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3^80From

140cm

Ligularia przewalskii Przewalski's golden ray

5-10cm

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4^50From

100cm

Rodgersia aesculifolia Chestnut-leaved rodgersia

5-10cm

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3^95From

Buy large foliage plants

Welcome to the realm of large foliage plants, where the bold leaves of Ligularia dentata 'Othello' and Bergenia cordifolia create a dramatic presence in any garden space. These grand specimens stand out with their generous leaf size and distinctive textures, offering a lush backdrop or focal point for your outdoor sanctuary. Their robust nature not only adds visual interest but also provides a sense of fullness, making them a popular choice among discerning gardeners seeking to infuse their landscapes with architectural elegance and a touch of the exotic.

The Impact of Large Foliage Plants in Garden Design

Large foliage plants are the unsung heroes of garden design, providing a visual anchor and a sense of permanence in the landscape. The expansive leaves of these plants create a dramatic contrast against finer-textured plants, allowing for a play of scale and form that can energize any garden space. Designers often use them to craft a tropical ambiance or to add a bold statement in a more temperate garden setting. Their large leaves can also be highly effective in providing shade to smaller, more delicate plants, creating microclimates within the garden where diverse plant communities can thrive.

Architectural Foliage as a Focal Point

Plants such as the Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' and Ligularia przewalskii, commonly known as Przewalski's golden ray, bring an architectural quality to the garden with their striking foliage. Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' features broad, heart-shaped leaves in a deep bluish-green hue, while the serrated leaves of Ligularia przewalskii rise on tall stems, giving height as well as texture. These plants can serve as focal points, drawing the eye and adding structure to the planting design.

Varieties and Visual Interest

The diversity of large foliage plants is astounding, with varieties such as Bergenia cordifolia 'Bressingham White', otherwise known as elephant's ears, boasting glossy, rounded leaves and Hosta undulata 'Mediovariegata', known for its wavy green leaves edged with creamy white. These variegated patterns break up the monotony of green and introduce light into shadier garden spaces. Meanwhile, the puckered leaves of Hosta fortunei 'Aureomarginata' are edged in golden yellow, which can brighten dark corners and complement the flowers and foliage of neighboring plants.

Creating Texture and Depth

Texture plays a crucial role in creating depth and interest in the garden. The large foliage of Darmera peltata, with its rounded, umbrella-like leaves, adds a unique texture that contrasts sharply with both the glossy and the deeply veined foliage of other large plants. The bold leaves of Acanthus mollis, with their deeply cut, sculptural quality, introduce a classical element to the garden, evoking the Corinthian columns of ancient Greece.

Year-Round Interest

While the flowers of some plants may come and go, the large leaves of these foliage giants provide a lasting presence throughout the growing season. Even as temperatures drop, many large foliage plants, such as Ligularia dentata 'Othello', maintain their structural integrity, with some even offering the bonus of autumnal color changes. Their persistence ensures that the garden remains vibrant and full of life, regardless of the season.

Embracing large foliage plants in your garden design not only enriches the visual tapestry but also elevates the sensory experience. The rustling of leaves in the breeze and the cool shade they provide on a hot day make these plants not just a feast for the eyes but a retreat for the soul. At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in cultivating a diverse range of high-quality large foliage plants that can transform your garden space into a lush and inviting oasis.

What function can large foliage plants have in a garden?

In a garden, large foliage plants serve as stunning focal points due to their sizeable and often colorful leaves. They can provide a backdrop to flowering plants, contrast with finer textures, and add structure to garden beds. Their substantial presence can also offer shade for smaller, more delicate plants.

Which is the best period for transplanting large foliage plants?

The best period for transplanting large foliage plants is during their dormant phase, generally in early spring or late autumn. This timing allows the plants to acclimate to their new location before the stress of the growing season or the onset of winter, promoting healthier growth and establishment.

Which plants can be combined well with large foliage plants?

To create a visually appealing and harmonious garden, large foliage plants can be combined with ornamental grasses, ferns, and border plants. These combinations offer varying textures and shapes, creating depth and contrast. Additionally, the presence of bee-friendly and butterfly-friendly plants can enhance biodiversity.

In which soil type do most large foliage plants grow well?

Large foliage plants generally prefer rich, well-draining soil with a good amount of organic matter. Moisture-retentive soils are ideal for these plants, ensuring they have access to consistent hydration without the risk of waterlogging, which could lead to root rot and other health issues.

What popular types of large foliage plants are there?

Popular varieties of large foliage plants include the striking Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' and 'Frances Williams', known for their substantial, decorative leaves. The Bergenia cordifolia and its cultivar 'Bressingham White' provide year-round interest, while Ligularia dentata 'Othello' and Acanthus mollis offer bold textures and distinctive leaf shapes for visual impact.

In what period can I best plant large foliage plants?

The optimal planting period for large foliage plants is during the cooler months of early spring or fall. This timing allows the plants to establish their root systems without the stress of high summer temperatures. Planting during these periods also ensures that the soil is workable and not waterlogged or frozen.

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