The giant leaves: depth and structure for your flower beds

It's not just flowers that make landscaping interesting and attractive. More and more, different, colorful, or uniquely shaped foliage is stealing the spotlight from flower beds. This is particularly the case with large-leaved perennials. Often impressive in size and shape, these plants bring beautiful structure and depth to the front of the house or quickly fill a rather bare corner of the yard. Here are some perennials to discover if you want to put giant foliage in the spotlight.

1. GIANT HOSTA
   Many hostas have rather interesting leaves, but the ‘Empress Wu’ variety is unmatched. It is one of the largest hostas on the market. Its dark green leaves with deep veins are enormous – 45 cm by 60 cm – and very dense. It thrives particularly well in the shade and blooms in July. If you want a bit more color, look for the ‘Wu-La-La’ cultivar whose blue-green leaves have contrasting light green margins.
2. ASTILBOIDE
   The apple green leaves of the astilboide reach nearly a meter in diameter and are supported by a thick petiole that can also reach a meter long. A cousin of astilbes, they produce beautiful feathery flowers. In semi-shade and moist environments, you'll get impressive results.
3. ZANZIBAR CASTOR
   With its impressive height, this castor bean plant from the Zanzibar Archipelago can reach up to 12 meters in its natural habitat. Here, it is treated as an annual and can reach 3 to even 4 meters if nothing curbs its growth, such as cool temperatures. Plant it in full sun and avoid eating it, as it is a toxic plant. Tropical effect guaranteed!
4. ROYAL FERN
   Also known as royal fern, this giant particularly appreciates moist environments. In good conditions, it can reach 2 meters in diameter. Its bright green fronds in compact clusters make this fern one of the most beautiful and impressive.
5. GUNNERA MANICATA
   Better known as giant rhubarb, Gunnera Manicata is probably the queen of large leaves. Indeed, each leaf of this plant from Brazil can reach 2 meters in diameter! Water it well – it likes moist and rich soils – and protect it from the wind. Sensitive to frost, cover its base with a good layer of mulch in the fall.

Visit a Passion Jardins garden center near you to discover other varieties of large-leaved plants and impress the neighborhood with your garden giants.