The fact that not all foliage is “green” comes as no surprise to any gardener. Modern hybridization of plants has produced some truly unusual leaf coloration. The numbers of coleus hybrids available has dramatically increased, although the nomenclature is confusing, and some colors go beyond moody to just plain muddy. This sparkling variety has clear, brilliant color, and a luxuriant habit of growth. I do like plants that make me look like a good gardener. �
Even the red and orange coleus varieties seem to have much improved coloration and habit. Plant hybridizers work very hard. �
The toothy leaves of this coleus variety are unique; the lime centers only make the orange seem more orange. Supremely orange. �
This green and white variegated hibiscus is notable for its leaves, rather than its flowers. The occasional red blooms are a pleasing surprise. A red-stemmed, variegated leaf hibiscus that grows large and vase shaped gets my attention ahead of the big flowered tropical hibiscus. Why is this?; see for yourself. �
This small leaved coleus the color of butterscotch has a good companion in this tree fern. Though tree ferns can grow to 18′ tall in New Zealand, a one gallon size plant makes a good show in a container over the course of a Michigan season. The exotic and unexpected appearance of foliage of another color can create drama and interest in public places. Who would think a diminutive thread leaf alternanthera could make such a big statement in the same pot with a giant canna? This is about the good fun that gardening can be. Who knew this pot would grow out better than I thought it could be?
The incredible range of plant material available guarantees that no annual gardener need ever repeat themselves. It occurs to me that much of what I am able to do depends on the people in my area who grow plants. They test different things, they make the tried and true available, they see to it that I am able to work. They get out of bed on a Sunday at 3am when the heat in a greenhouse goes off. They are gardeners of a different sort. They depend on the plants to pay their mortgages, and educate their children. I support my local growers; I hope you do too. �
If all the color of my past few posts has put you on overload, perhaps these pots will suit you better. As I have said, annual plants are those plants that survive but one season-this is a large group-some of which have no flowers of consequence.
Annual plantings or pots without flowers can be very effective and attractive. Some locations for annuals do not have enough sun to support good flower production. Annual plants can be as much about their forms, their leaves, and their architecture, as they are about flowers. This very tall “elegant feather” plant-no longer in production at Proven Winners, is a great foil for the round-leaved farfugiums. There are very few greens I do not like. My yews go black green in the winter when it is really cold, much like this Moses in the Cradle. The chartreuse and yellow coleus “Wild Lime” provides lots of punch in shade.
Chartreuse green is spring like, and fresh, no matter what time of year I see it.Grass after an electrical storm is so intensely dark gorgeous green-thus the term grass green. Lime creeping jenny is a versatile plant that highlights darker plants and obligingly trails. 
Green can be as much about texture and scale, as color. The slick, massive texture of this banana is complimented by the thick felted leaves of this variegated Plectranthus.
Caladiums, calocasias, and cannas have spectacularly large foliage. 
Calocasias and caladiums are thin-leaved (this refers to their “substance”); light will shine through them. Helicrysum both in lime and variegated leaf are densely felted. 
Phormiums, and dracaenas are stiff-strapped, and sword-like-an interesting contrast to this curly leaved farfugium. Cycads and escheverias have that dense waxy texture, and can be rounded, or spiky.
Tuscan blue kale has great size, a blistered leaf surface, and a very blue color-just the thing to pair with a blue juniper column, variegated licorice, and ornamental oregano “Kent Beauty” .
One of my favorite coleus is a yellow/olive color I call turtle green. The striped grass, miscanthus zebrina, is a happy companion to a plectranthus with the same color variation. The third element: the pairing of the plant material is complimented by the pairing of the pots close enough to encourage all the plectranthus to grow together.
So many beautiful greens. So many ways in which green is beautiful.
No matter that I have been planting annuals for the better part of 25 years; I have yet to get to that point where I have had enough. It’s a yearly conversation I have with myself, usually in late February. Do I still want to do this? Would I like some other career? Am I done with my career-would I just like a job? Another words, I am wringing my hands and fretting such, it would make you laugh.
Annual flowers on a terrace do a lot to warm up all the hard surfaces. I pay particular attention to the overall plant height and composition of those pots, as they are usually viewed up close, and while sitting.
