If you want to make a bold statement in your garden, look for plants with big leaves. Giant leaf varieties create an instant jungle vibe and add drama to any shady corner or sunny border.
Their huge foliage catches the light and moves beautifully in the breeze. They also provide fantastic shelter for small wildlife. Let’s look at some of the best options for your space.
Plants With Big Leaves – Giant Leaf Varieties
This group includes plants from all over the world. You can find them for wet soil, dry shade, and even indoor pots. The key is to pick the right plant for your specific garden conditions.
Top Outdoor Giants for Shade and Part Sun
Shady areas can sometimes be a challenge. But these big-leaf plants thrive with less direct sunlight. They turn a problem spot into a lush retreat.
- Gunnera manicata: Often called the “dinosaur food plant,” this is the ultimate choice for impact. Its leaves can span over 6 feet wide on thick, prickly stems. It needs lots of space, rich soil, and plenty of moisture.
- Rodgersia: These offer both big leaves and beautiful flower plumes. The deeply veined, palmate leaves can be as large as 3 feet across. They are perfect for the edge of a pond or in damp soil.
- Fatsia japonica: With its glossy, hand-shaped leaves, Fatsia brings a tropical look. It’s surprisingly tough and can handle coastal winds and deep shade. It sometimes produces unusual white flowers in late autumn.
- Hosta: A classic shade plant, some hosta cultivars have truly massive leaves. Look for varieties like ‘Empress Wu’ or ‘Sum and Substance’ for leaves over 2 feet long. Just watch out for slugs and snails, who love them too.
Sun-Loving Large Foliage Plants
Got a sunny spot? Plenty of large-leaf plants enjoy the sun. They often have adaptations like thicker leaves to prevent water loss.
- Catalpa bignonioides (Indian Bean Tree): This small tree has huge, heart-shaped leaves that can be up to a foot long. It grows quickly and produces lovely white flowers in summer. The ‘Nana’ variety is a smaller option.
- Canna: While grown for their bright flowers, many Canna have stunning broad leaves. Some have deep burgundy or striped foliage that looks great even before the blooms appear. They need rich soil and regular watering in full sun.
- Fig (Ficus carica): The edible fig tree has beautiful, lobed leaves that are very large and textured. They provide a wonderful Mediterranean feel. They do best in a warm, sheltered spot.
- Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei): This hardy palm has fan-shaped leaves that can reach 3 feet wide. It adds an exotic structural element to sunny patios and gardens.
Best Big-Leaf Plants for Containers
You don’t need a huge garden to enjoy big leaves. Many varieties do perfectly well in pots. This is great for patios, balconies, or renting.
First, choose a large, sturdy pot with good drainage. Big leaves lose a lot of water, so pots can dry out fast. Use a high-quality potting mix.
- Elephant Ears (Colocasia and Alocasia): These are the stars of container gardening. Their heart-shaped or arrowhead leaves come in many colors, from dark purple to metallic green. They need constant moisture and warmth.
- Banana Plant (Musa basjoo): The hardy banana can be grown in a pot to control its size. Its massive, tattered leaves grow quickly all summer long. You’ll need to water and feed it regularly.
- Melianthus major (Honey Bush): With its blue-green, serrated leaves, this plant is very architectural. It has a unique peanut butter scent when the foliage is brushed. It works well in a large pot on a sunny terrace.
How to Care for Giant Leaf Plants
Big leaves have some special needs. Follow these simple tips to keep your plants healthy and looking their best.
Watering and Feeding
Large surface area means more water loss through transpiration. These plants often need more frequent watering, especially in dry spells. Water deeply at the base in the morning.
A mulch of compost or bark helps retain soil moisture. Most giant-leaf plants are also heavy feeders. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and maybe again in midsummer.
Protection from Wind
Big leaves can act like sails and get torn or damaged by strong winds. Plant them in a sheltered location, or use structures like fences or other plants as a windbreak. Staking may be necessary for very tall varieties.
Winter Care for Tender Varieties
Some popular big-leaf plants are not fully hardy. In colder regions, you’ll need to protect them.
- For Gunnera, after the first frost, cut the leaves and stalks down. Then fold them over the crown of the plant to create a natural insulating layer.
- Potted Cannas, Colocasia, and Bananas can be moved to a frost-free garage or greenhouse for winter. Let the foliage die back, stop watering, and store the pot or tuber in a cool, dark place.
Design Ideas Using Large Foliage
How you place these plants makes all the difference. Here’s how to use them effectively in your garden design.
Use them as a focal point. A single Gunnera or a stand of Fatsia at the end of a path draws the eye immediately. They create a natural anchor in a flower border.
Mix textures for contrast. Pair the huge, smooth leaves of a Hosta with the fine, feathery fronds of a fern. The difference in leaf size makes both plants stand out more.
Create layers. Place taller big-leaf plants at the back of a border, with medium and smaller ones in front. This adds depth and makes the space feel fuller. Remember, some large leaves are best appreciated at ground level, where you can see their full shape.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even the mightiest leaves can run into trouble. Here’s how to fix common issues.
Leaf Scorch or Browning Edges: This is often a sign of too much sun, wind, or under-watering. Move potted plants to a shadier spot or increase your watering schedule. For plants in the ground, improving the soil with organic matter can help it hold more water.
Holes in Leaves: Usually caused by slugs, snails, or caterpillars. Check plants at night with a torch and remove pests by hand. You can also use pet-friendly slug pellets or create barriers with crushed eggshells.
Yellowing Leaves: Could be over-watering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged. Feed the plant with a liquid fertilizer to give it a quick boost if you haven’t fed it recently.
FAQs About Big Leaf Plants
What is the plant with the biggest leaves?
In the garden, Gunnera manicata is often the largest. In the wild, the Raphia palm has the longest leaves, but it’s not suitable for most home gardens.
Can I grow big leaf plants indoors?
Absolutely! Many, like the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), and some Alocasias, are popular houseplants. They need bright, indirect light and consistent care.
Do large leaf plants need a lot of water?
Generally, yes. Their large surface area causes them to lose water quickly. However, always check the soil first; some, like certain succulents with big leaves, prefer it to dry out between waterings.
Why are my plant’s leaves getting smaller?
This usually indicates not enough light, nutrients, or water. The plant is conserving its resources. Try moving it to a brighter spot and ensure you are feeding and watering it adequatly during the growing season.
Are big leaf plants good for small gardens?
Yes, if chosen carefully. One large-leaf plant can be a stunning feature without crowding the space. Stick to a single focal point and choose varieties whose mature size fits your scale. Dwarf cultivars are also available for many types.
Adding plants with big leaves is a sure way to create a garden that feels lush and established. Giant leaf varieties offer unmatched texture and form. Start with one that suits your conditions, and you’ll quickly appreciate the dramatic effect they bring. Remember to consider their needs for water and space, and you’ll enjoy their spectacular foliage for many seasons to come.