Best Plants for Colorful Foliage

Here are a handful of reliable perennials that will grow in most areas of the country. There are varieties of each that will give your garden a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures.

Canna
Canna x generalis
Though most cannas are grown for their flowers, try cultivars with showy tropical-looking leaves that range from nearly black to green striped with gold. 'Phasion' and 'Durban' have purple leaves streaked with orange. Full sun; 4 to 6 feet tall. Hardy to 5 degrees F if roots are well mulched in winter.

Start planning your new garden! Our Interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help.