10 Leafy Garden Plants With Ecological Benefits
Leafy garden plants are not just about adding greenery to your outdoor space, they also play a significant role in creating a healthier environment like purifying the air to supporting local ecosystems.
In this helpful and actionable article, we'll explore 10 remarkable leafy plants that are perfect for any garden, these plants have been tested and inspected by us so we have real-world experience with them.
Hostas, varying in size from 30 cm to 1 m (1-3 ft), thrive in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Known for their lush foliage, they're perfect for adding texture or as a ground cover garden plant. After growing Hostas we saw that they are great for cooling the soil in hot summer months and providing habitats for small wildlife, they also thrive as a woodland garden plant.
Hosta
Aucuba
Aucuba reaches up to 3m (10ft) in height and prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade. We saw that the bush looks like a normal leafy bush but is actually a leafy evergreen bush. It has large, glossy leaves which are often speckled with a kind of gold-yellow color, providing a unique visual texture and contrast in your garden.
Classic Nandina domestica, reaching up to 1.5-2 m (5-6.5 ft), thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The Nandina Shrub is known for its bamboo-like foliage and bright red berries, the low maintenance bush which dosen't require much plant care offers year-round interest and is great for creating natural screens.
Nandina Domestica
Ferns
Ferns, ranging widely in size, are perfect for growing as hanging basket plants for shade because they prefer shady areas and consistently moist soil. They're excellent for woodland gardens but also for vertical gardens and are known for their air-purifying qualities. Ferns add a prehistoric elegance to any shady spot in the garden.
Holly
Holly bushes, growing up to 2-15 m (6-50 ft), prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Their bright red berries in winter feed birds and their dense evergreen foliage offers shelter. Holly is a popular Christmas decoration plant that adds festive charm if it is maintained and watered properly.
Swiss Chard
The Swiss Chard vegetable reaches up to 50 cm (20 in), and after growing this plant multiple times in our gardening lab we know that it loves full sun to partial shade and fertile, moist soil. This leafy vegetable is not only edible but also ornamental, with stems colored in shades of red, white, and green. It's great for edible landscaping and improving soil health.
Caladium
These colorful leafy plants with their heart-shaped leaves add vibrant splashes to shady gardens similar to the Hosta. Caladiums are excellent for purifying the air and enhancing biodiversity. This tropical garden plant called Caladiums is also suited for indoors, it reaches 30-60 cm (1-2 ft) and thrives in warm, shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Barberry
Barberries are valued for their vibrant foliage, available in shades of green, yellow, and red. They are drought-tolerant, known for their deer resistance, and require minimal care, making them a bold yet easygoing addition to your landscape but with a different type of leaf. These bushes are often used for small hedges in front of houses.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a low maintenance, diverse and adaptable group, reaching up to 1,8m (6ft). They prefer medium light and moderate watering, thriving in various indoor environments. Known for their heart-shaped leaves, these plants are excellent at purifying the air. They add a tropical and comforting ambiance to any space, making them a popular choice for both homes and warmer outdoor settings.
Monstera Deliciosa
Known for its dramatic, split leaves, this green bush that we also have grown indoors with success can reach a height of 3m (10ft). It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering. This shade garden plant has a tropical appearance similar to the Philodendron and Calandium and can transform any space into a tropical spot.
Sources
Nature and Sustainability uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies to support the facts we describe in our articles. Please read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Swiss Chard: Swiss Chard - Beta vulgaris (Leaf Beet Group) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
Hosta: Hosta - Wikipedia
Monstera Deliciosa: Monstera deliciosa - Wikipedia
Barberry: How to Plant and Grow Barberry (bhg.com)
Aucuba: Aucuba | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (ncsu.edu)
Caladium: Caladium - Wikipedia
Nandina: How To Grow Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo) | BBC Gardeners World Magazine
Philodendron: Philodendron Care Guide: How to Grow Philodendron Plants - 2024 - MasterClass
Share this article:
Article By:
Calin has been in the garden industry for 5 years and knows much about gardening and plants. He owns this website and is responsible for most of the content.