Flowers That Aren't

There are some plants that are so colorful they don't need flowers. These are plants that are used in flower beds not for their flowers, but for their beautiful and colorful foliage.

Coleus

Coleus is an annual. It has the most colorful, and varied foliage
of any plant I know of. There are many varieties
in many colors, and combinations of colors.
Reds, yellows, purples, greens, and more.
It requires very little care, and is a great plant for beginners. Coleus does have flowers, but they are quite dull next to its brightly colored foliage. Many people remove the flowers before they bloom because they feel they detract from the beauty of the leaves, and to make the plants bushier. Size varies with the variety. Most get about a foot tall, although I've seen some exceptional ones reach 3 feet. You can pinch off the tips to control the size, and to make it bushier if you like. Coleus will grow in sun or shade, but the colors may be more intense in the shade. It makes a great background for flowers.

Coleus

Caladiums

Caladiums have beautiful, large, delicate, tropical looking leaves in combinations of
whites, pinks, reds, and greens. Caladiums grow from bulbs. They should be brought indoors in winter, except in frost free climates. Although there are a few varieties that can take some sun, They are basically a "shade only" plant. Too much direct sun will burn the leaves of most varieties.

Photo: Caladiums "White Queen"
Caladiums

Setcreasea (Purple heart)

Setcreasea is a perinnial in zones 8 and up, sometimes in zone 7. In colder areas it is considered an annual. It has deep purple leaves, and it has some tiny pink flowers, but they are barely noticed. It is grown for it showy purple foliage. It is very easy to care for, and roots easily from cuttings.
It likes sun, but will tolerate quite a bit of shade.
It makes great hanging baskets, and looks good used in combination with annuals, or perinnials. (especially pinks and blues)
Another good choice for beginers.

Setcreasea

Ornamental Grasses

What could be easier to grow than grass? There are many varieties of ornamental grass in many sizes, colors, and shapes. Although some are used as annuals
most will return year after year with no care other
than to cut them back in late winter or early spring.
Some varieties have decorative plumes. All are interesting and colorful. They make great backgrounds for flowers. Most even look good in the winter. Some
can begin to look "shaggy" if not divided every few years. Check out this link for more info and photos:
Ornamental Grasses

Hostas

A page on foliage plants would not be complete without mentioning hostas. They are not as colorful as many others, but they are dependable, easy care,and beautiful perinnial plants. Hostas definately prefer shade. They do have flowers, but they are not very showy. Some people cut them off before they bloom. The flowers are small and white or nearly white, sort of bell shaped, on tall stems. Hostas are a very popular plant because of their beauty and ease of maintenance.
Hostas
Dusty Miller (senecio cineraria)

Dusty Miller is considered a perinnial in zones 8 and higher. Elsewhere it is considered an annual. It has fuzzy silvery, lacy leaves and makes an interesting background for flowers. I especially like it with purples. It likes sun, but will take some shade, and needs very little care. In fact, it actually prefers it hot and dry. It gets 10-15" tall. In areas where it is considered a perinnial, Dusty Miller does have some flowers (usually yellow) the second year.

Photo: Dusty Miller
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