Do you have large open areas in your garden that need some filling? Why don’t you consider planting an outdoor plant, such as a large-leaf plant?
There are various large-leaf plants that you should consider growing to add that special dynamic and bold statement to your garden.
Whether you just want to cover up bare areas in your yard or provide some green foliage to your garden, the dramatic shapes of these big leaf plants will add something truly unique.
- Related article: Houseplant Grow Guides
Let’s take a look at some of the most common varieties of stunning big-leaf plants for your garden!
1. Umbrella Plant (Darmera Peltata)
It’s no surprise that the umbrella plant, otherwise known as Indian Rhubarb, is capable of growing 18-24 inches wide.
There’s something unique about this plant—its leaves do something remarkable in the summertime: they turn to an eye-catching shade of red, and this color increases in warmer temperatures and areas.
It’s the perfect plant for growing in moist soil conditions and will add some tropical textures to your garden.
2. Butterbur (Petasites)
It’s the perfect plant to grow on the edges of ponds or bog gardens.
The Butterbur plant will take up some unwanted space in your garden as it’s capable of reaching heights of over 3 feet, and its leaves reach over 2 feet each.
Some large-leaf plants are toxic, but the leaves of Butterbur plants are medicinal and can be ingested by humans, making it a safer option to add to your garden.
Shady gardens to low-light areas are not a problem as this plant adds some much-needed green foliage to a desert garden.
3. Mayapple (Podophyllum)
This perennial plant naturally grows in woodland forests and it acts as the ground cover and bears the most unique white flowers in the spring.
Its 12 to 18-inch tall stems bear one to two enormous leaves.
The Mayapple plant thrives in moist and nutrient-rich soils, preferably in fully shaded areas under trees.
4. Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera Manicata)
Have a problem with excessive water in your soil and need a plant to soak up all that moisture? The Giant Rhubarb plant has a thirsty appetite for bog gardens and requires a ton of room.
This plant will take over your garden as it has the capacity to grow over 14 feet wide and is certainly not a dwarf as it can reach over 120 inches tall!
It’s an excellent plant to grow along the borders of water features, making it a perfect choice for bog gardens.
5. Hosta (Hosta)
The Hosta plant is commonly known by the Japanese name Giboshi.
This plant is shade tolerant but can handle some indirect sunlight, or morning or late afternoon sun. The whole of this big-leaf plant is edible, from its huge leaves to its roots so it offers more than just a green background.
There is a large selection of Hosta varieties to choose from, with some particular species known to grow over 6 feet tall.
Provide these plants with rich soil and they will soon become a green jungle.
6. Big Leaf Ligularia (Ligularia Dentata)
It’s no surprise that this plant falls on our list of big-leaf plants to grow in your garden as the Big Leaf Ligularia boasts its 12 to14-inch large lily pad-like leaves, while its perennial plant only reaches heights of 3-4 feet above the ground.
There’s more than just huge, green leaves to this plant because, in the summer, this plant shows off with its yellow daisy-like flowers that make for an interesting feature.
The optimum growing environment for this plant is a well-shaded area, with significant moisture.
7. Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera)
Sacred as it may sound, the Sacred Lotus plant is a large-leaved aquatic plant that has the potential to reach over 4 feet tall.
Unlike most large leaf plants, this plant grows well being exposed to bright light and full sunlight.
This plant’s leaves are not, by any means, small, as they reach over 24 inches. These leaves proved the perfect base for the sacred lotus flower to blossom.
Additionally, it’s a stunning plant to add to any water feature.
8. Rhubarb (Rheum Rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb is particularly known as an edible garden vegetable. The special dynamic of this plant is the green lushness that will bring your garden to life.
Typical of large-leaved plants, it thrives in moist and low-light conditions.
The rhubarb plant emanates beauty from its bright red stems and the white flower spikes that it produces in the summer months.
It may not be the tallest plant at an average of 3 feet, but it’s certainly one of the toughest big leaves to grow.
9. Elephant Ears (Colocasia Esculenta)
These brightly-colored Elephant Ear plants will warm up your garden. These heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns.
The ginormous heart-shaped plants tend to thrive in full sun to partly shady areas.
Moist soil to wet soil provides the best growing conditions for this plant and it’s important to provide an area that is sheltered from the wind.
This plant has the capacity to reach over 6 feet tall in length, with its individual leaf span at over 2 feet in diameter.
10. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
It’s called the Swiss Cheese, or split-leaf plant, because of the holes that are on its leaves, making it look like a block of Swiss Cheese.
This plant is a tropical perennial plant, so it can be grown indoors as well as outdoors.
The leaves of this plant can stretch to 3 feet wide in diameter, whereas the plant can reach some impressive heights at over 10 feet tall.
The plant will produce a cream-colored flower that will contrast with its lush green leaves.
11. Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera Macrophylla)
It may not be the biggest of the big-leaf plants on this list, but it’s got some of the brightest blue flowers that blossom in the spring, for up to 4 weeks!
The Siberian Bugloss has similar heart-shaped leaves that are capable of reaching 1 foot in diameter.
The Siberian Bugloss is best grown undercover in fully shaded areas. It can withstand damp conditions but prefers to grow in well-draining soil.
12. Japanese Fiber Banana (Musa Basjoo)
Japanese fiber banana plants are commonly grown throughout the world and it’s hard to miss the long leaves of a banana tree plant!
This plant gets really big and can grow to over 15 feet tall, with its leaves reaching over 6 feet.
There will never be enough water in your garden for a Japanese fiber banana plant as they need regular watering.
They are thirsty and the more water they get, the bigger they will grow.
If you’re planning on planting the Japanese fiber banana, make sure you plant it in a large, open area.
13. ‘Spider’s Web’ Japanese Aralia (Fatsia Japonica)
The Japanese aralia is commonly referred to as the “Paper plant”. This long-leaved, tropical plant grows well in warmer shaded areas. It’s the perfect indoor plant, or in the dark space in your garden where nothing tends to grow.
The ‘Spider’s web’ thrives all year long and has expansive and fabulous foliage. Its leaves can reach a diameter of over 2 feet and can grow up to 5 feet tall.
This exotic plant usually blossoms in the fall and its white flowers stand out amongst the dark green backdrop of its attractive foliage.
14. Giant Silver Mullein (Verbascum Bombyciferum)
The abundance of yellow flowers can’t be mistaken for anything else—the Giant Silver Mullein really does know how to show off.
The yellow flowers work wonders in contrast to its long grayish-green leaves, reaching lengths between 12 to 16 inches long.
The Giant Silver Mullein grows best in sunny and warm areas, with preferably dry soil.
This plant should be grown outside against a wall where it has some protection from the wind.
When the plant comes into flower, you’ll soon see why it’s considered as valuable as silver.
15. Flowering Sea Kale (Crambe Cordifolia)
Flowering Sea Kale, otherwise known as “Colewort”, has dark, cabbage-like foliage that reaches 12-16 inches in length.
The dark contrast of its thick leaves makes it the perfect plant to plant on the borders of your garden.
When it comes to flowering season, the Sea Kale is second to none as thousands of tiny white flowers surround its dark gray foliage, making it a spectacular addition to your garden.
The plant is best grown in full sun, direct sunlight, and fertile soil, although it can withstand partial shade.
16. Caladiums (Caladiums)
Caladiums, otherwise known as ‘Angel Wings’, are best known for their arrowhead-shaped leaves.
The stunning combination of pink, red, green, and white on this majestic plant’s variegated leaves makes it one of the prettiest large-leafed plants to grow.
However, the plant is toxic if ingested by animals or humans, so it’s best grown in a well-shaded area, out of the reach of children.
The plant’s phenomenal and colorful foliage can reach lengths of 18-24 inches, with its leaves being generally thicker and resilient to damage.
17. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig plant can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Its name is derived from its violin-shaped leaves, which can reach lengths of over 15 inches.
This plant is best grown in sunny sheltered conditions, away from damaging winds but with direct light.
Although this plant’s green foliage will make it the centerpiece of your living room, it’s highly toxic to cats and dogs.
Final Thoughts on Plants with Big Leaves
Plants with big leaves come in various shapes and sizes, and they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, not just by giving an eye-catching statement, but also by providing shade, absorbing carbon dioxide, and releasing oxygen.
Gardeners, nature enthusiasts, expert plant parents, and average plant owners—all can appreciate the beautiful flowers, unique features, and benefits that large-leafed plants offer.
There are always plenty of big-leaved plant options to choose from, regardless if you’re looking to create a tropical oasis in your backyard or simply want to add a touch of greenery to your space!
You and your powerful green thumb can cultivate a thriving and beautiful plant, plus a visually-striking garden that can be enjoyed for years to come just by understanding the different types of plants with big leaves and their unique requirements, plant size, and care conditions!
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