Well, summer has definitely arrived and our gardens take on a different look with all the mid-season bloomers like beebalm, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and many varieties of hydrangeas and many more.
When I design a garden, especially a summer garden, I always make sure to add some yellow-leaf plants in the mix along with other bold colours of summer. Whether it is a yellow-leaf tree, shrub, perennial or groundcover, the addition of this colour will make your garden pop.
They can be used as a focal point, border accent or ground cover, and can help break the monotony of green, especially in areas with dense vegetation.
Adding yellow (or lime) coloured plants into a garden enhances the landscape in different ways.
Firstly, it can dramatically enhance its visual appeal by introducing vibrant contrast, warmth and texture. The colour green is the most common colour in foliage (I consider it a neutral). Yellow-leaved plants stand out beautifully, offering an eye-catching variation which will always capture your eye’s attention.
Secondly, adding some yellow colour in a shady area brightens darker corners and complements other colours in your landscape. One of the best yellow plants for a shaded garden is any gold hosta such as ‘Sum & Substance,’ ‘August Moon’ or ‘Designer Genes.’
Yellow-leafed plants have a way of making other colours become more vibrant. The purples will be brighter, the pinks even pinker. Just imagine the large bright pink balls of hydrangea flowers, the multi-colours of coneflowers or the light purple lavender flowers with a stunning yellow companion. Everything will look more alive.
Do you have a focal point in your garden, such as a fountain or bird bath or a special plant like a Japanese maple, that is not grabbing your attention like you hoped it would? By adding some yellow plants around it, you will definitely catch people’s attention and make their eyes rest and take in all the details surrounding it.
Yellow foliage also has seasonal versatility. In spring and summer, it radiates freshness and vitality. In autumn, it can blend seamlessly with seasonal changes, amplifying the garden’s warm and cozy ambiance.
One caution when adding yellow foliage to your garden is to avoid overusing it, as too much can overwhelm the eye. Instead, balance yellow foliage with neutral greens or soft blues to create a cohesive palette. For layered designs, place taller yellow-leaved plants at the back of borders and smaller ones in front to lead the eye through the landscape.
If you are looking for some larger shrubs that can provide that lemony-yellow colour, you may want to consider shrubs like ‘Golden Spirit’ smokebush, ‘Lemony Lace’ elder or ‘Eye-Catcher’ beauty bush. Some smaller-growing shrubs to use as accents in your garden are: ‘Sunsation’ barberry, ‘Sunshine Blue’ bluebeard, and ‘Chardonnay Pearls’ deutzia.
When it comes to perennials with yellow foliage, there are many for you to choose from. For a part-shade location consider ‘Sun King’ aralia, lime coralbells, gold hostas and golden hakonechloa grass. Some choices for sunnier areas include golden oregano, lemon ball sedum, Dickson’s Gold campanula and variegated irises.
Adding plants with yellow leaves to your garden is a simple yet effective way to enhance its brightness, contrast and year-round appeal. These golden beauties not only bring aesthetic value but also evoke feelings of warmth and optimism. With careful selection and thoughtful placement, yellow foliage can transform your garden into a vibrant and welcoming outdoor space.
Joanne Young is a Niagara-on-the-Lake garden expert and coach. See her website at joanneyoung.ca.