In the world of gardening, where flowers often take center stage, it's easy to overlook the enduring beauty of foliage. But as Sandra Gerdes, manager of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden®, wisely notes, "Flowers are fleeting, foliage is forever." This is especially true when it comes to plants with golden leaves, which can instantly brighten up any garden, blooming or not. These plants serve as landscape accents, adding contrasting color and providing interest during those in-between times when there’s little in bloom. Here are some of the best golden-leaved plants, based on years of Test Garden trials, from groundcovers to shrubs, that combine great performance with foliage color that will give any garden a glow-up.
'Gold Splash' Wintercreeper
This variegated green and gold foliage shrub is a real workhorse. It can handle a variety of conditions (except extremely wet soil), resists disease, and takes a heavy pruning with ease. It's a great bouquet filler and a bright and graceful edger along a path or retaining wall. Growing conditions: Part to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 2 feet tall and wide. Zones: 5-8.
'Little Honey' Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangeas are known for their flowers, but this variety is a game-changer. The leaves go from golden in spring to chartreuse in summer to orange and red in the colder months. It's a beautiful oakleaf hydrangea that's pretty in the middle of a border or by a patio. Growing conditions: Part shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 3–4 feet tall. Zones: 4-9.
'White Gold' Bleeding Heart
This plant sports golden leaves and pure white flowers that dangle like intricate charms on a bracelet. It's a glowing light next to dark green conifers in the Test Garden. Another favorite golden-leafed variety is 'Gold Heart', which offers pink flowers. Growing conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 18–24 inches tall and 24–36 inches wide. Zones: 3–9.
'Aurea' Hakone Grass
Shady spots need all the brightening up they can get. This award-winning plant brings golden color along with an airy, arching habit. It's a bright and graceful edger along a path or retaining wall, and gives texture and movement in the shade garden. Growing conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 12–18 inches tall. Zones: 5–9.
'Ball Gown' Coral Bells
There are no shortages of chartreuse- and golden-leaved coral bells, but this variety is a standout. It's a low, mounding perennial with ruffled leaves that add interest and texture up front. Give this charmer good drainage and it'll dance all season. Growing conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 26–30 inches tall and 24–28 inches wide. Zones: 4–9.
'Aurea Variegata' Sweet Iris
This foliage literally glows when the sun shines through it. The strong, vertical leaves are like shiny swords that are impossible to pass by without a second glance. Bonus: It blooms with classic, fragrant purple flowers in spring. Growing conditions: Part to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 2 feet tall. Zones: 4–9.
'Key Lime' Lamb's Ear
This low-growing groundcover has the same velvety texture as the familiar silver variety, and shifts from lime green to yellow throughout the season. It makes a dazzling edging plant for mixed borders. Growing conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 26–30 inches tall and 24–28 inches wide. Zones: 4–9.
'Time in a Bottle' Hosta
This variety has bright yellow leaves with wavy margins, adding both color and texture to a rock garden. Its leaves gradually deepen to chartreuse over the growing season; in summer, it produces wands of purple flowers. Growing conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 12 inches tall and 3 feet wide. Zones: 3–9.
'Cordial Canary' Ajuga
This bright groundcover is a standout with its near-neon green foliage and purple flowers. It can handle light foot traffic, making it a good choice around pathways. Growing conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Size: 4 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Zones: 4–9.
In my opinion, these plants are a must-have for any garden. They add a touch of elegance and contrast, and their golden leaves are a sight to behold. From the 'Gold Splash' Wintercreeper to the 'Cordial Canary' Ajuga, each plant has its own unique charm and growing conditions. So, if you're looking to brighten up your garden, consider adding one of these golden-leaved plants to your collection.
