Foliage-First Container Design: Texture and Color Over Flowers

For a sunny patio, combine three plants with contrasting leaf colors and textures: purple fountain grass, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), and dusty miller (Senecio cineraria). For shade, try cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior), Myers asparagus, and sword fern. Any of these, snipped judiciously, also provide cuttings for bouquets.

Plant a Foliage Pot

1. Choose a 16- to 20-inch container for three to five 1-gallon plants.
2. Plant on-site—the filled pot will be heavy.
3. Fill halfway with potting mix; stir in controlled-release fertilizer.
4. Position plants: tallest at the rear, shorter in middle and front. Fill around with more mix.
5. Water regularly.

A foliage-driven container delivers year-round interest with minimal maintenance.