Yellow Leaved Plants
The following plants provide yellow or gold foliage and used sparingly in the garden can add that extra “wow” factor:
Shrubs
Aucuba – Aucuba japonica ‘Mr. Goldstrike,’ suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, is a hardy shrub with green leaves generously speckled with gold flecks. Also consider Aucuba japonica ‘Subaru’ or ‘Lemon Flare.’ Ligustrum – Golden privet (Ligustrum x vicaryi) displays bright yellow leaves which grown in full sun, and yellowish-green leaves in shade. Also consider ‘Hillside,’ a shrub with distinctive, yellowish-green foliage. Both are suitable for growing on zones 5 through 8.
Groundcovers
Vinca – If you’re looking for plants with golden foliage, consider Vinca minor ‘Illumination,’ a hardy spreading, yellow leaved plant with contrasting dark green leaf margins. Also, check out Vinca minor ‘Aurovariegata,’ another type of yellow-variegated vinca. St. John’s wort – Hypericum calycinum ‘Fiesta’ is a striking plant with dark green leaves splashed with chartreuse. This is an ideal choice for yellow foliage plants in gardens zones 5 through 9.
Perennials
Hosta – Hosta, suitable for growing in zones 3 through 9, comes in a variety of stunning yellow and gold varieties, including ‘Sun Power,’ ’Gold Standard,’ Golden Prayers,’ ‘Afterglow,’ ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Pineapple Upside Down Cake,’ to name just a few. Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare ‘Isla Gold,’ also known as tansy gold leaf, displays ferny, sweet-smelling foliage of bright yellow. This plant is suitable for zones 4 through 8.
Annuals
Coleus – Coleus (Solenostemon scutellroides) is available in a number of varieties ranging from lime to deep gold, including several with variegated leaves. Check out ‘Jillian,’ ‘Sizzler,’ and ‘Gay’s Delight.’ Sweet potato vine – Ipomoea batatas ‘Illusion Emerald Lace’ is a trailing annual with splashy, lime green leaves. This frilly plant looks great in hanging baskets or window boxes.
Ornamental Grass
Japanese forest grass – Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola,’ also known as Hakone grass, is a deciduous, ornamental grass that displays clumps of graceful, yellow-green foliage. This plant is suitable for zones 5 through 9. Sweet flag – Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’ is a striking ornamental grass with fragrant, greenish-yellow leaves. This wetland plant is suitable for growing in zones 5 through 11. See also Acorus gramineus ‘Golden Pheasant’ and ‘Minimum Aureus.’
