Sometimes size does matter. These 5 plants have huge, tropical looking foliage that just demands attention in your garden. Have a look and add one or two to your garden for dramatic effect.
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Grecian Pattern Plant
Acanthus mollis 'Oak Leaf'
This shade loving perennial offers an intriguing tropical affect from its large oak leaf-shaped foliage. Often grown for its foliage alone or its spikes of whitish-lilac flowers that blooming in late spring. Can spread rapidly. Useful in perennial borders or as a background planting. Will grow 3-4ft in height and spread. Best when planted in part shade in moist, but well drained soil. Hardy to zone 7
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Empress Wu Hosta
Hosta 'Empress Wu'
The world's largest hosta!. Empress Wu reaches an astounding 4.5 ft in height at maturity with gigantic two-foot leaves. Will spread 5-6ft across. Leaves are deeply veined and of good substance. Pale lavender blooms appear just above the foliage in early to mid-summer. An outstanding focal point and conversation piece in your shade garden. Best when planted in shade or part shade in moist, but well drained soils. Protect from slugs and snails.
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Red Leaved Banana
Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii'
This tropical plant has huge broad foliage in compact rosettes atop tall stems. Wine-red coloured leaves add further interest. A popular choice for creating a tropical affect in your garden, near the pool or even indoors in a bright sunny location. This plant needs to be protected in winter in order to survive in our climate. Bring it indoors if you can. Best when planted in full sun in an area protected from strong winds. Grows 12-15ft tall with leaves stretching even farther. Hardy to zone 9.
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Giant Chilean Rhubarb
Gunnera tinctoria
This giant water loving plant forms huge leaves in giant clumps. It is perennial and will die back each year with its foliage providing its own shelter. Leaves can grow 2.5 metres across. Erect spikes of cone-shaped flowers erupt in late spring and early summer. Incredible near a pond or water feature. This plant looks like it was designed for the dinosaurs and will certainly stop traffic in your neighborhood! Best in sun or part shade in very moist soil. Hardy to zone 7
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Windmill Palm Tree
Trachycarpus fortunei
This extremely hardy palm tree has distinctive hairy black fibres covering its slender graceful trunk. Attractive compact crown is accented by its large mid-green leaves. A great garden or patio tree, especially when located near a hottub or pool. Can also be grown in containers. Best when planted in full sun, in moist, but well drained soils. Can grow 25-30ft in height if planted in the right location and protected in winter. Hardy to zone 7.
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All of these large leaved plants are generally available at Art's Nursery, especially during the late spring and summer months. As always, call ahead to confirm availability if you are making a special trip out to see us. 604.882.1201