In this episode, we’re turning up the drama—garden drama, that is! We’re talking all about plants with big, bold foliage that steal the show and bring serious texture and presence to your landscape. Whether you’re designing a tropical-feel patio or adding contrast to a woodland border, these leafy giants know how to make a statement. We’ll cover our favorite varieties, tips for placement and care, and how to use them effectively in garden design. If you’re ready to go big and leafy, this episode is for you! P.S. We promised not to sing…we’ll leave that to Sir Mixalot. 

Expert: Dr. Andy Pulte is a plant sciences faculty member at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is also a contributing editor.  

Danielle’s Plants 

‘Sundew’ black sea comfrey (Trachystemon orientalis ‘Sundew’, Zones 6-8) 

Northern Chinese mayapple (Podophyllum versipelle subsp. boreale,  Zones 6-9) 

Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum, Zones 4-8) 

Umbrella plant Planr 

Carol’s Plants 

‘Mojito’ elephant’s ears (Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’, Zones 8-10) 

‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’, Zones 5-9) 

Hardy banana (Musa basjoo, Zones 5-10) 

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, Zones 7-10) 

Expert’s Plants 

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus, Zones 7-9) 

Roxburgh fig (Ficus auriculata, Zones 9-11) 

Delavay’s schefflera (Schefflera delavayi, Zones 7-9) 

Read the article byIrvin Etienne:    Big and Bold Plants for the Back of the Border – Fine Gardening