Silver leaves can also serve to brighten the shady areas of a garden where dark greens tend to get lost. When planted in combination with other greens, silver foliage offers a helpful contrast. Silver-foliage plants are especially useful for “moonlight gardens” that are meant to be enjoyed at night. These reasons explain why so many silver-leaved plants are highly prized, even when they produce no remarkable flowers. Here are some examples of how silver-foliage plants can work effectively in a landscape. The attractive silvery foliage has become the base or accent for many a fall wreath. In the example shown here, notice how nicely the silvery foliage of ‘Silver King’ artemisia complements the yellow black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) in the background. But color is only part of the appeal of ‘Silver King.’ The foliage’s fine texture is also useful in providing contrast within a planting bed. Another popular artemisia cultivar is ‘Silver Queen,’ a more compact form. Artemisia is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. Levendula angustifolia, a member of the mint family, can be grown as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8, but it is sometimes grown as an annual in colder climates. It grows one to three feet in height. Russian sage is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9, although zone 4 may require some winter protection. It grows up to four feet in height but often tends to sprawl. As shown here, the leaves of this ground cover are variegated, but the color that stands out is the silver. This plant is also known to be deer resistant. Lamium galeobdolon can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9. It is typically a ground cover plant but may grow as high as two feet. Licorice grows to no more than nine inches in height. It has white flowers, but they are not showy. This plant is almost exclusively grown as silver-leafed ground cover. Silver mound is suited for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. The plant doesn’t always keep a tightly mounded form, but it can be useful when planted in masses or in informal rock gardens. Most spotted dead-nettle cultivars remain less than one foot in height but spread as much as three feet, making them ideal as a ground cover. These plants are highly resistant to deer. Japanese painted fern can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. It grows to about 18 inches in height and does best in partial shade to deep shade environments. Snow-in-summer can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 7. It grows no more than one foot high and is most often used as a ground cover in sunny areas or in rock gardens. Brunnera macrophylla is a perennial plant with blue flowers that bloom in spring. The blue flowers are reminiscent of those on forget-me-nots, but the green and silver leaves of the plant make a statement throughout the growing season. Siberian bugloss is perennial in zones 3 to 8. It grows to 18 inches in height and is usually planted in groups as a ground cover in partially shaded areas. Anne Green-Armytage / Getty Images This is a creeping ground cover plant, growing to only about three inches high. Pale pink flowers appear in June and July. It is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. Lamb’s ears can grow as high as 18 inches with a similar spread. It is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 and grows best in full sun. Mullein can grow as high as seven feet in the right location. It is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It is most commonly used in sunny borders and cottage gardens. Rose campion is often planted in masses and may be used as a ground cover on large properties. It also makes a good specimen plant in mixed gardens, where it provides contrasting color. Dusty miller is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10 but is often grown as an annual in colder climates. It grows to a maximum height of 18 inches with a spread of about 12 inches. It is most often used in mixed garden beds or as a border in sunny or partially shady areas.
