Plants with colorful leaves make gardens always shine

I love reminding gardeners that flowers aren’t the only way to add color to the landscape. Some of the most dependable color comes from plants with bold, beautiful foliage.

Whether you’re gardening in full sun, deep shade, or somewhere in between, colorful leaves can make your garden shine all year long.

Let’s start with Syngonium Neon, often called the pink arrowhead plant.

This gorgeous plant brings a soft, rosy glow wherever I use it. Its bright pink leaves have a subtle metallic sheen that catches the eye.

I’ve had great success growing Syngonium Neon in bright, indirect light, but it also performs well in lower-light areas, making it ideal for porches, patios and indoor garden spaces. Outdoors, place it in filtered shade where it is protected from harsh afternoon sun.

Syngonium prefers well-drained potting mix and evenly moist soil, but not soggy roots. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry. During the growing season, feed it lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks.

This plant appreciates humidity, which makes it especially happy in our Southern climate or when grown near other plants. If stems start to stretch, simply pinch it back to encourage a fuller, more compact shape.

If I’m looking to brighten a shady area, the Blondie fern is hard to beat.

Fern fronds emerge a brilliant golden yellow and hold their color beautifully, especially in filtered shade or morning sun. Too much direct afternoon sun can scorch the foliage, so always give this fern some protection.

Blondie fern thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Consistent moisture is key, as ferns don’t like to dry out completely. Mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool, especially during hot Southern summers.

This fern benefits from regular watering and occasional feeding with a gentle, slow-release fertilizer.

The soft texture and glowing color of the Blonde fern make it a standout in woodland gardens, shaded beds and containers.

For sunny landscapes, Duranta erecta Golden Edge delivers bold, long-lasting color.

Its leaves are edged in chartreuse to golden yellow, creating a vivid contrast against the deep green centers. Full sun really brings out the brightest color and keeps the plant compact and dense.

Golden Edge duranta thrives in well-drained soil and is surprisingly tough once established. It appreciates regular watering during its first growing season and then becomes quite drought-tolerant over time.

Prune it occasionally to maintain its shape and encourage fresh, colorful growth. Golden Edge duranta responds well to light fertilization during the growing season. In our Southern heat, it shines as a hedge, accent shrub or large container plant, and it holds up beautifully through summer.

As you consider plants to add to your garden spaces, consider plants that shine with their foliage. Long after the flowers have faded, these plants with colorful leaves continue to carry the landscape, adding beauty, texture and personality through every season.