If your garden feels a little flat or lacks that wow-factor, big leaf plants can instantly add depth, texture, and a lush, dramatic vibe.
These leafy showstoppers don’t just fill space; they turn heads. With their oversized foliage and vibrant greens, they create a tropical feel even in temperate backyards.
Whether you’re working with shade, sun, or something in between, you’ll find a plant here that thrives in your conditions. Take a look through this list of bold beauties to discover the perfect large-leaf plant to anchor your outdoor space.
#1 Colewort (Crambe cordifolia)
Source: Hillfarmnursery
Colewort brings drama with tall white blooms that rise above its large, cabbage-like green leaves. This plant feels statuesque, especially in garden borders where you want structure and a bit of wild charm.
It thrives best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. You can plant it in early spring to give it time to establish. With a little space, it becomes an unforgettable feature in your landscape.
#2 Japanese Butterbur (Petasites japonicus)
Source: Flickr
Japanese Butterbur has giant, umbrella-like leaves that feel like something out of a fairytale. It grows fast and adds a lush, tropical texture to damp, shady spots.
Its leaves can reach up to 50 inches across, perfect for covering bare areas in the garden. You’ll want to give it plenty of room to spread. Moist soil and partial shade help it thrive.
#3 Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum)
Source: Gardenia
Mayapple grows in a soft green canopy, each stem topped with one or two wide, deeply lobed leaves. It creates a whimsical look in woodland gardens and naturalized beds. Rich, moist soil and a partly shady location bring out its best form.
This plant spreads gently over time, creating a charming groundcover. You might even spot a small, hidden bloom underneath the leaves in spring.
#4 Ginger Lily (Hedychium)
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Ginger lilies add fragrance and a tropical flair with their long, paddle-shaped leaves and exotic flowers. They look striking in garden beds or large containers when grouped together.
These plants enjoy regular watering and need well-draining soil to stay happy. Bright indirect sunlight helps them flourish without scorching their leaves. With enough warmth, they’ll reward you with fragrant blooms in late summer.
#5 Canna Lilies (Canna indica)
Source: Freepik
Cannas offer a burst of tropical color with bold foliage and vibrant flowers in red, orange, or yellow. Their thick, upright leaves come in solid green or even striped patterns.
They love heat and sunshine, so choose a bright spot with rich, moist soil. Keep them watered during dry spells to support their fast growth. Whether planted solo or in clusters, they add instant vibrancy.
#6 Hostas
Source: Romencegardens
Hostas are garden staples known for their large, heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, blue, or variegated white. They’re a dream for shaded corners, bringing soft color and texture under trees or along fences.
Moist, well-draining soil and protection from hot afternoon sun help them thrive. Slugs can be an issue, so adding mulch or crushed eggshells helps protect your plants. With hundreds of varieties, you can mix and match for endless interest.
#7 Ligularia
Source: Bluestoneperennials
Ligularia boasts bold, jagged leaves and tall flower spikes that bloom in yellow or orange. This plant loves cool, damp environments and adds structure to shady beds and borders.
Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent wilting during heat. It does best with morning sun and afternoon shade. The leaves alone make a bold statement, but the summer blooms add an extra pop.
#8 Rubber Fig (Ficus elastica)
Source: Urbanperennials
Rubber figs offer glossy, dark green leaves that lend a modern, clean look to your outdoor space. They grow steadily and are surprisingly low-maintenance for such a striking plant.
Well-drained soil and partial sun are key to keeping it happy. Avoid overwatering, as soggy roots can lead to problems. Its upright shape makes it a great choice near entryways or patios.
#9 Common Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Source: Plantgrower
Rhubarb isn’t just edible—it’s also beautiful. Its oversized, crinkled leaves rise from thick red stalks and create instant drama in the garden. It grows best in full sun and soil that’s rich in organic matter.
You’ll want to give it space to expand, especially in cooler climates. Though the leaves are toxic, the stalks can be harvested once the plant is well-established.
#10 Taliflower (Anthurium)
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Taliflower, also known as Anthurium, adds a refined, glossy-leaf look to shady garden nooks. Its heart-shaped leaves and colorful bracts brighten up any dull corner.
It appreciates filtered light and regular watering, as long as the soil drains well. In warmer regions, it grows well outdoors year-round. For cooler zones, treat it as a summer plant and bring it inside when temperatures dip.
#11 Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria)
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Giant Rhubarb is truly enormous, with leaves that can stretch up to six feet wide. This prehistoric-looking plant creates an otherworldly focal point, especially near ponds or boggy areas.
Moist to wet soil and partial shade keep it happy. You’ll need plenty of room for it to reach its full glory. In colder zones, mulching helps protect its crown in winter.
#12 Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
Source: Caribbeangardenseed
Siberian Bugloss combines big, heart-shaped leaves with tiny blue spring flowers for a graceful woodland feel. It loves partial shade and consistently moist, rich soil.
The foliage stays attractive throughout the season, especially in variegated varieties. It spreads gently, making it perfect for underplanting or edging beds. The soft silver-green leaves light up darker areas.
#13 Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Source: One Seed
Monstera brings big personality with its giant, perforated leaves that add movement and life to any garden. While often seen indoors, it thrives outside in humid climates with bright, indirect light.
Keep the soil moist and give it room to sprawl or climb. You can train it on a trellis or let it trail freely. It instantly gives your garden a tropical, breezy vibe.
#14 Giant Taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza)
Source: Gardenia
Giant Taro looks like a piece of the rainforest, with enormous, upright leaves in glossy green. This plant thrives in rich, moist soil and does best with morning sun and afternoon shade.
It’s perfect near water features or tucked into a corner that needs bold texture. Keep the soil consistently damp and feed occasionally to encourage growth. Each leaf is like a natural sculpture, swaying gently in the breeze.
