August Foliage Favorites

I may be obsessed with my dahlias at this time of year but I'm not so preoccupied as to ignore the foliage plant standouts, especially when the garden as a whole can't be said to be looking its best.  I planned a rather short post on my current foliage favorites but it grew longer than I'd intended.

Here are my picks:

I've planted a handful of Japanese maples over the years.  Only 2 thrived and one is a dwarf variety that looks toasted by this time of year.  However, this Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku' is looking better than ever right now.  In partial shade next to the garage, it's protected from drying winds and the hot summer sun.

I acquired this Agave capensis through the Huntington's International Succulent Introductions (ISI) program in 2015 as a tiny plant.  My recollection was that it was described as a solitary agave but, after rechecking the ISI listing, I discovered it was described as "solitary or clumping."  My plant has clearly become a clumper.  It's not yet the "busy mess" the ISI referenced but it may be on its way there.

This is Agave 'Mr Ripple', which I acquired at a Los Angeles Cactus & Succulent Society sale in 2016.  It's still on the relatively small side but it's produced a small pup about a foot away. 

This Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' came from Annie's Annuals & Perennials as a 4-inch plant many years ago.  I planted it too close to the maintenance path but hopefully it'll bloom out before surgery is necessary to prevent legs from being stabbed.

I cut the 3 Agonis flexuosa 'Nana' in this bed back hard each year (due to its proclivity to harbor thrips) but it bounces back every year, even when we get pitiful rainfall.  The plants edging the border are a mix of Aeoniums headed into their dormant period.

This hybrid Aloe vanbalenii x ferox has grown larger than I'd originally anticipated but I've made room for it.  I got it at a plant sale in 2016 when South Coast Botanic Garden still had a volunteer propagation group that held annual spring and fall sales.

I planted Caladium 'Heart & Soul' bulbs earlier this year but didn't record where I put all of them.  So far, 3 have shown up in this border.

I caught this combination of Carex oshimensis 'Feather Falls' and Phormium 'Maori Queen' in the right light.  This particular Carex has done well in my garden and I wish I could find more of it.

Centaurea 'Silver Feather' tends to sprawl but it makes a statement

I encountered a neighbor in my driveway recently who wanted to take a photo of the Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold' on the left.  The gardeners are inclined to shear it into that shape but I prefer the looser look of the specimen in my back garden (right).

Not all the Coleus scutellarioides in my garden are looking good but some are.  Clockwise from the upper left are 'Colorblaze El Brighto', 'Chili Pepper', 'Florida Sun Rose', and 'Glennis'.  The last 3 have been in place for over a year.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a little floppy but I appreciate the dark color accent it provides

I've gone back and forth about my decision to plant Dasylirion longissimum (aka Mexican grass tree) here but I like it better since we removed all the 'Blue Flame' Agaves around it

I still have concerns about how big this Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder' has gotten (despite bi-annual pruning) but I do love the plant

These are 2 of my 'Lavender Lady' Mangaves, both looking perfect

I'm impressed with this Mangave 'Red Wing' too

Two more of my Mangaves of note: 'Moonglow' (left) and 'Praying Hands' (right)

Finally, this fern was a bit of a surprise.  It's a Rumohra adiantiformis (aka leatherleaf fern).  According to my records, I planted 2 of these here in November 2014; however, I'd lined out my entry some years ago, believing that the plants were gone.  It's reappeared and looks pretty good despite this year's low rainfall.  I don't "do" ferns as a general rule as the majority I've planted haven't lasted long.  Clearly, I need to plant more Rumohra! 

So that's my foliage review for August and my wrap-up for the week.  Best wishes for a pleasant weekend and a enjoyable Labor Day holiday if you're in the US.

All material © 2012-2025 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party