Silver plants are some of the most versatile and interesting plants for garden design. Many are rugged performers, requiring little maintenance and able to tolerate hot, dry conditions. They can be used to help tie a mixed planting together, edge a walk or pathway, or become a focal point all on their own.
What Makes Leaves Silver Instead of Green
It’s interesting to explore the reason that some plants evolved to have silvery foliage instead of producing green leaves. Plants with silver leaves usually have one of three characteristics that make the leaves appear silver:
1. Silver leaves may have a coating of fine hair.
It’s possible for a plant’s leaves and stems to be covered with fine hair. When light strikes the many surfaces created by the hairs it gives a shine to the plant that makes it appear white to silver.
Hairy foliage helps protect a plant from moisture loss from intense sun exposure and winds. It may also serve as a deterrent to damage from pests. Many creatures, deer for example, would find the hairy texture unappetizing and are less likely to eat these plants when other options are available.
2. Some silver leaves have a waxy coating.
Another characteristic that can give leaves a silvery appearance is a waxy coating that is especially common on succulent plants. This waxy surface evolved as a way for plants in hot regions to retain moisture. It often has a powdery look and is technically known as epicuticular wax.
The purpose of epicuticular wax is to protect plant from high temperatures, intense sun, and water loss through evaporation. The waxy coating also repels water from the plant surfaces and forces it to flow down to the root zone where it can be most efficiently absorbed into the plant.
3. Leaf cell structure can result in a silver-looking plant.
Leaf cells with low levels of chlorophyll, or cells without any chlorophyll, can result in a pale green, to silvery, to white leaf coloration. Chlorophyll is essential in sustaining plants, so it’s unusual to see leaves that are fully white in color. You are more likely to see plants with green and white variegated foliage since plants with all-white foliage wouldn’t find much evolutionary success. They can’t make food to support long-term growth and they are more susceptible to sun damage.
Leaf cells may also be structured in a way that the leaf surface refracts light and results in the plant appearing white or silvery. It’s a bit of an illusion. Chlorophyll is present in the cells, but the architecture of the cells, and the way the light refracts through them, conceals the presence of the chlorophyll.
Silver Plants and Heat Tolerance
It’s no coincidence that plants with silver foliage are especially common in hot, drought-prone environments. Here are the key reasons that plants with silver leaves are often well-adapted to hot climates:
The silver foliage color reflects sunlight, helping keep the plant surfaces cooler and in turn minimizing dehydration of the foliage through evaporation.
Most silver plants with succulent leaves coated with epicuticular wax evolved to survive desert conditions and have natural protection against intense sunlight and typically have low water needs.
Silver foliage that is covered with tiny hairs or that has a waxy surface creates a challenging surface for insect pests to penetrate or inhabit so these plants naturally have fewer pest problems. That means less stress overall for these plants, improving their chances of success.
Designing with Silver Plants
Silver-leaved plants offer a neutral tone that looks good with just about any other plant color. This makes them good filler plants for a mixed border or combination planters. Plants with silver foliage help illuminate the shadows between other plants adding depth and contrast. Here are some additional ways you can use silver plants when designing your outdoor spaces:
Many silver plants are suitable for growing in pots, with some trailing types that are beautiful for hanging baskets or cascading over a planter or wall.
At night silver plants reflect light to illuminate your garden or spaces around your patio or deck. They’re perfect choices when planning a moon garden.
They can be used in combination with pastel flowering plants to set a cool, calming tone or go for high-contrast color drama by planting with vibrant red or orange flowers, or plants with black foliage.
In regions with especially hot summers adding a few silvery plants can give the landscape a cooler look, like snow in the winter, that can affect your mood by helping you think cool thoughts.
Many plants with silver leaves are evergreen in the winter providing color and interest through multiple seasons.
Silver plants with hairy leaves are good for a sensory garden. Plants like lamb’s ear, or several of the Artemisia species, have soft, hairy foliage that is a delight to touch.
Heat-loving silver plants are perfect for including in a gravel garden or any situation where summer drought may become a problem.
Silver plants are available in so many fascinating textures that it’s possible to design an entire space with nothing but plants with silver foliage.
Beautiful Silver Plants for Your Garden
Whatever your garden location and light level there is probably a silver plant or two that you can incorporate into your garden design. Here are some great silver plant options for a variety of growing conditions:
Silver Plants for Full Sun
Blue Fescue ‘Beyond Blue™’ (Festuca glauca)
Arching tufts of blue, finely textured leaves provide graceful beauty. A splendid choice for adding soft texture to the landscape. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. The striking color of ‘Beyond Blue’ creates a pivotal accent point in any garden. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.
Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum)
This shimmery silver curry plant brings great color, soft texture, and fragrance to the garden. Despite its common name, this is not the curry plant that is popular for culinary uses. The foliage scent is similar to the smell of curry spice, and that has resulted in confusion. Curry plant is not harmful if eaten, but if used as seasoning the flavor may prove disappointing. This is an excellent plant for hot, dry locations or for growing in containers.
Dichondra (Dichondra species)
Dichondra’s cascading silver stems and foliage add shimmering shine to the garden. An easy to grow, versatile selection that is heat and drought tolerant. Dependable color and texture looks great all season. Superb for baskets, containers, window boxes, and combination plantings. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, slopes, and banks.
Helichrysum Hybrid (Helichrysum hybrid)
Beautiful silvery foliage and exceptional drought tolerance make helichrysum a terrific plant for tough locations. Provides an excellent contrast to green foliage and bright flowers. The shimmering foliage is ideal for adding color and interest to mixed container plantings. Perfect for all kinds of containers, including window boxes, hanging baskets and combination planters. Looks great in rock gardens.
Gray santolina (or lavender cotton) is a low-growing, dense, aromatic shrub native to dry, rocky regions of the Mediterranean. It is extremely drought tolerant once established. Santolina may be pruned heavily, and is a good choice for low hedges and knot gardens. Perennial in regions with mild winters. Plant near walkways, decks and patios where scent can be enjoyed.
Thyme ‘Silver Posie’ (Thymus vulgaris)
‘Silver Posie’ is an upright variegated thyme that looks spectacular anywhere in the landscape! This ornamental variety is nice for planting in combination planters. Try placing a container of ‘Silver Posie’ on an outdoor tabletop as a fragrant centerpiece or indoors on a sunny windowsill. Also makes a fragrant groundcover or planted between stepping stones.
Rosemary ‘Paris’ (Rosmarinus officinalis)
‘Paris’ is an upright Rosemary with densely packed stems of aromatic, flavorful leaves. Snip the leaves and use them fresh or dried to add flavor to lamb dishes, roast meats, sausages, fish, poultry and potatoes. Plant along walkways or in mixed borders to enjoy the intoxicating aroma, or in large containers on patios and decks. Bees love this plant! An excellent subject for topiary standards and containers.
Western Mugwort ‘Valerie Finnis’ (Artemisia ludoviciana)
Sometimes called “white sage”, the glowing silvery-white foliage of western mugwort is an excellent choice for adding contrast in the landscape. Very tolerant of dry conditions and poor soils. Can be cut back in mid-summer if the foliage starts to get leggy to encourage fresh, more compact growth. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens.
Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ (Artemisia arborescens)
‘Powis Castle’ is an outstanding selection for difficult sunny, dry locations. The silvery fern-like foliage softens and cools the landscape and adds a touch of fragrance with its lightly aromatic leaves. The plant has a shrubby habit but can be pruned to maintain the desired size and shape. Excellent for use in difficult spots where nothing else can survive.
A nicely mounding plant with woolly stems and leaves of silvery gray with good drought tolerance. The needle-like, icy gray foliage looks striking when paired with broad-leafed plants and those with purple blooms or burgundy foliage. Perfect for containers, including window boxes, hanging baskets and combination planters. Looks great in rock gardens.
Snow-In-Summer (Cerastium tomentosum)
Highly valued for its woolly gray foliage. Masses of crisp white flowers have a luminous quality to them. Easy-care plant stylishly accents other bright colors. Perfectly sized for rock gardens and border fronts. A reliable groundcover for any location. Tumbles beautifully over rocks, slopes, and banks.
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum)
Starry white blooms and thin, woolly leaves combine in icy beauty. This mountain native brings soft, delicate texture and cool contrast to rock gardens and mixed plantings. Reliable plants for rock gardens, alpine troughs, patio containers, and border edges. Charming when tucked into rock crevices or walls.
No results found.
Silver Plants for Sun to Part Shade
Dusty Miller ‘Silver Lace’ (Artemisia stelleriana)
The feathery, silvery-white leaves of ‘Silver Lace’ are a real stand-out in the landscape. Perfect for challenging hot locations near pavement or between building foundations and walks. A good choice for beds and borders planted with colorful flowers. Also looks great grown in containers and hanging baskets.
Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)
A fabulous plant for bringing unique form, texture and glowing blue color to the garden. Better yet, Sea Holly is incredibly easy to grow and can stand up to heat, drought, wind and poor soil conditions. A perfect choice for the novice gardener or anyone who appreciates a low-maintenance garden. Excellent cut flowers for fresh or dried arrangements. Birds enjoy the seeds.
Dusty Miller, Sea Cabbage (Senecio candicans)
Sea cabbage dusty miller brings cool contrast to any planting with its downy, silvery foliage. Can be a perennial in climates with warm winters. The tiny hairs on the leaves, that give them their softness and color, are the key to this plant’s heat tolerance. Provides great contrast with colorful flowers or looks just as beautiful on its own growing in a pot.
Dusty Miller (Centaurea cineraria)
Dusty Miller is a versatile plant prized for its silvery foliage and exceptional tolerance to heat and drought. The finely-cut foliage adds texture and dramatic contrast when planted among green-foliage plants and bright flowers. Small blooms appear in summer. Removing the flower stalks as they appear encourages vigorous foliage growth. Perfect choice for beds, borders, containers and hanging baskets. Excellent for combination plantings.
Rose Campion, Mullein Pink (Lychnis coronaria)
Rose campion is valued for its woolly, silvery-white foliage and easy culture. Brilliant purple-red or pale purple flowers are an added bonus. The tall, branched flower stems lend an open, airy feeling to the garden. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Combines beautifully with small ornamental grasses. For the greatest color impact, plant in groups.
Lambs’ Ears, Wooly Betony (Stachys byzantina)
Lambs’ ears is a splendid choice for adding soft texture to the landscape. Forms a lush carpet of silver-gray, woolly foliage that spreads quickly. The silvery foliage creates a bold contrast when surrounded by colorful flowers and green foliage plants. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Looks great in rock gardens. Combines beautifully with small ornamental grasses. Terrific plant for butterfly gardens.
No results found.
Silver Plants for Shade
Japanese Painted Fern ‘Ghost’ (Athyrium filix-femina x niponicum)
Upright, silvery fronds add texture and interest to the shady garden. One of the best perennials for long-lasting interest. Ferns lend a peaceful feeling to any setting. Appropriate near water and in damp woodland settings. Makes a dependable mixed border plant and combines well with Hosta in woodland gardens.
Glowing silver foliage complemented by hooded, white flowers brings light to shady locations. Foliage retains its good looks from early spring through the autumn. Vigorous, spreading plants are easy to grow and make a reliable groundcover for any location. Effective under trees where lawn has difficulty establishing.
Brunnera, Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
Brunnera, also known as Siberian bugloss, is a real standout in heavily shaded locations! Plants produce charming, dainty blue flowers and rich green crinkled, heart-shaped leaves. One of the best perennials for long-lasting interest. Beautiful in shady borders and woodland gardens. Especially nice in waterside gardens. A reliable groundcover for any location.
No results found.
Silver Plants for Extreme Heat or Drought
Graptosedum ‘Darley Sunshine’ (Graptosedum x hybrida)
A cross between a Graptoveria and Sedum. This low-growing succulent forms rosettes of minty green foliage. Wonderfully textured leaves look great all season long. A versatile plant that can be grown outdoors in the summer and brought back inside when temperatures are expected to fall below 50°F (10°C). Can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates, in a pot or in the ground. Perfect for all kinds of containers, dish gardens, and terrariums.
Silver Sage (Salvia argentea)
Sure to be one of the most unique plants in your garden. Silver sage produces a gorgeous rosette of massive silvery leaves. The foliage is covered with white hairs giving it a soft, downy texture. Tall spikes of white flowers appear in summer. Silver Sage is native to arid regions of Southern Europe offers outstanding heat, humidity and drought tolerance. This is a biennial plant so allow some flowers to go to seed to encourage a supply of replacement plants for years ahead.
Graptopetalum (Graptopetalum superbum)
A clump-forming succulent with plump rosettes of silvery, lavender pink leaves. This low-maintenance selection is very easy to grow. These unique plants can be grown outdoors in the summer and brought back inside when temperatures are expected to fall below 50°F (10°C). Can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates, in a pot or in the ground. Perfect for all kinds of containers, dish gardens, and terrariums.
‘Spiky Blue’ gray hair grass is a compact, tuft-forming selection that sports spiky gray-green foliage. The mature leaves form a red tint. Adds texture and contrast to any planting. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens. Creates a pivotal accent point in any garden. Provides dramatic color and form to autumn and winter landscapes.
Agave, Century Plant, American Aloe (Agave americana)
Incredible drama for hot, dry locations! Agave’s dense rosette of succulent foliage always looks good under harsh conditions. The long leaves are edged with sharp spines so take care to put in a location away from people and pet traffic.
Agave is native to Mexico and has a long history of uses among the indigenous people of that region. The plant juices have a variety of medicinal and culinary uses. Agave is the base of the liquor tequila. The long plant fibers can be used for weaving, sewing and making rope.
Native to Texas and Mexico, Texas sage is an excellent choice for poor, sandy soils and hot sun. The soft, silvery foliage brings an air of coolness to the landscape and mixes well with succulents and cacti. Bell-like blooms of rosy purple increase the value of this easy care selection. Perfect for use in difficult spots where nothing else can survive. A great choice for foundation plantings or hedges and for planting along fences and walls.
Western Mugwort ‘Valerie Finnis’ (Artemisia ludoviciana)
Sometimes called “white sage”, the glowing silvery-white foliage of western mugwort is an excellent choice for adding contrast in the landscape. Very tolerant of dry conditions and poor soils. Can be cut back in mid-summer if the foliage starts to get leggy to encourage fresh, more compact growth. Wonderful for mixed borders and rock gardens.
Russian sage is a bushy, perennial subshrub with a multitude of upright stems. Has a delicate yet definite presence with its fine, silvery leaves and dainty lavender colored blooms. A striking companion to broad-leaf plants or plants with golden foliage or flowers. Not a true herbal sage. Not a true herbal sage. Makes a dependable mixed border plant. Ideal for specimen, foundations, and mass plantings. Combines beautifully with small ornamental grasses.
Commonly referred to as “Chalksticks” or “Blue Chalk Fingers”. This species produces long, succulent foliage that extends from the main stem like “fingers”. Brings a truly unique form and texture to the landscape and is ideal for hot, dry conditions. Makes an excellent indoor plant for a sunny location. Use as an accent or specimen in beds, planters, and window boxes.
No results found.
Water-wise Gardening
Many silver plants are good options for including in gardens where water sources are not easily accessible, or the climate is naturally prone to heat and drought. In addition to selecting plants that are adapted to harsh summer conditions, there are also ways to improve general water efficiency. To learn how you can make the most of the water available see our article with hacks for gardening during drought.
Potting Soil vs Potting Mix: What’s the Difference?
February 20, 2023
Is potting soil the same as potting mix? Learn how to read soil product labels and which ingredients to look for to help your potted plants grow and thrive.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 Comments