Many gardeners find themselves sick of their leggy petunias languishing on the front porch, but don’t have enough money to book a getaway vacation to the tropics. One easy way to create the impression of an outdoor oasis right in your backyard is to use big leaf plants. Embodying a primordial, Jurassic-era feel, these plants quickly hide wretched stretches of lawn, transforming it into a hazy, exotic dreamscape.
Some of these plants are mainly houseplants, while others can be grown both indoors and outdoors in hotter climates. Below are a few broad-leafed plants you can grow that’ll assuage your desire for the beach.
1. Taro
Taro, also colloquially known as elephant ears, produces large, arrow-shaped leaves that look like it could have come straight from the Amazon rainforest. In reality, it originates from Southeast Asia, where it is a popular root crop. It is drawn to rich, moist soil and will thrive near water features or a low-lying corner. Keep it in an area that receives partial shade to prevent it from frying.
2. Hostas
Few plants are as versatile as hostas – they’re often tucked into corners with dappled shade. Hostas tend to behave well provided that they are grown in shady areas. On top of the list, the Green Patriot Hosta is a striking perennial with foliage that has darker green centers and lighter edges. One pest to watch out for is slugs, which readily descend upon them, leaving unsightly holes. Ward slugs off with copper banding and other methods that can be found here.
3. Giant Rhubarb
Rhubarb is one of those things whose taste remains a mystery to many, mired in the mists of the distant past – a vegetable that has since fallen out of favor. Giant rhubarb is not the same as the edible variety and perhaps has more value in the garden. Towering above other plants (and most people), it is suited for moist soil found along the water’s edge. As eye-catching as it is, it can take up a large chunk of land, so make sure you have the space for it.
4. Ruffled Fan Palm
With fashionably pleated leaves that wouldn’t look out of place in a Victorian greenhouse, the ruffled fan palm is a unique plant that is hard to find. Their native habitat – on the Solomon and Vanuatu islands – are pristine places that are seldom tread by tourists. It prefers moisture and humidity, so keep in an area that replicates its natural habitat, such as a greenhouse.
5. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
You won’t likely find a Monstera plant growing outside in the frigid Midwest, but in the wilderness of Hawaii, they grow rampantly outdoors. Lucky gardeners living in similar conditions are able to grow this houseplant outside by following these instructions. Although it doesn’t look like it, Monsteras are epiphytes – vines that attach themselves to other plants. In outside environments, they can be left to sprawl or trained to climb on poles.
6. Mayan Mask Alocasia
The dark, glossy leaves of this dramatic plant, shaped like ceremonial masks, are evocative of a fantastical Mesoamerica realm. This plant enjoys humidity, so misting or a pebble tray can help it thrive. Its large foliage hides a pleasant surprise – the undersides are a deep maroon, contrasted by creamy midribs. It would look perfect on the patio or as a tropical landscape plant. Alocasia ‘Mayan Mask’ can grow to 8′ tall and is low maintenance.
7. Cold Hardy Banana Tree
It seems unfair that the majority of big leaf plants are suited for tropical climates, with few options for northern gardeners. Good news is, the cold hardy banana tree is an excellent alternative that won’t die on you once the temperature drops. When properly mulched, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees. Just plop it in well-draining soil, give it some sun, and leave it alone.
8. Bird of Paradise
If you currently possess the mindset that once you’ve seen one houseplant, you’ve seen them all, then it’s time to meet the bird of paradise plant. Bright orange flowers, which resemble birds, sprout from their lush fronds. Although not a beginner plant for indoors, it’s not difficult to grow as long as you provide adequate lighting and a rich, balanced soil mixture. Water twice a week and apply a water-soluble fertilizer.
9. Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree
Think you can make plants grow like magic? It’s time to test your talent with the fiddle-leaf fig tree, a notoriously finicky plant. A few things to keep in mind: keep it in well-draining soil that is given to orchids, water when the soil inch of soil is dry, and dust the leaves occasionally. That’s not to scare you away from growing it; it’s definitely not for a lazy, ‘hands-off’ gardener, but an avid gardener may succeed with it.
10. Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’
Even those that don’t like bananas will enjoy growing the Red Abyssinian banana tree, gilded with wine-red and bronze hues. It looks spectacular along garden paths in shady areas and can also be placed in courtyards, atriums, and walled gardens, where it is shielded from strong winds. Banana plants are fairly heavy feeders and will benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer every 14 days.
11. Balboa Sunset® Heuchera
This variety of heuchera, also known as coral bells, features delicate, fairytale flowers that rise above its dark foliage. It’s not as big-leafed as some other plants, but it does add plenty of seasonal interest. It’s also able to tolerate most growing zones in a wide range of conditions, including poor soil, heat, cold, humidity and drought.
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