25 Plants With Silver Foliage To Give Your Garden A Fantasy Vibe

News flash: silver-colored plants are stunning. Although, you probably already knew that. These ethereal plants have long been used as accents in residential gardens, but they also shine (sometimes quite literally) when allowed to flourish in silver-forward landscaping. Additionally, many plants in this color are both drought-tolerant and low maintenance, from succulents and palms to native shrubs. They often come in unusual shapes: spiny and angular like yucca, floppy like wormwood, or round like pom-pom-shaped clumping grasses. Some have a fuzzy texture, like lamb's ear, as leaves and stems lined with small hairs are often what give these plants their shimmery appearance. So whether you're looking to give your garden a few well-placed accents or create an all-silver, fantastical garden straight out of the pages of a book, we've got you covered. 

This list of sometimes-lovely, sometimes-surprising plants will help you create a garden that's as unique as you are. Some may be familiar, while others look downright otherworldly. However, what they have in common is that all can thrive in a residential garden setting. In fact, many will even grow well alongside each other. When looking for companion plants, choose those that thrive in the same soil and light conditions. Check the labels on your seed packets and starter plants, too. Some seed companies and nurseries will give you helpful hints about which plants work well together. Good luck with creating your silver garden!

Although it's called red, the regal red Japanese fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Regal Red') features fronds touched with silver. Like many ferns, it loves moisture, shade, and should be kept well watered. Suitable planting locations outdoors include USDA growing zones 4 through 8, but this perennial can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. When grown outdoors, it will spread gradually through rhizomes. It can also be divided and propagated. Plant them alongside other shade-loving plants, including coral bells, which also earned a spot on our list. 

Brunnera Sterling Silver (Brunnera macrophylla), a type of Siberian Bugloss, is a stunning shade-loving plant for a woodland garden. Grown primarily for its striking foliage, it also sends up delicate blue flowers in spring that attract pollinators. Brunnera is available in other varieties that would equally suit a silvery garden. These options include Emerald Mist and Looking Glass. Although Sterling Silver is more heat tolerant than others, there is only a moderate difference in the plants' care requirements. The primary distinction is visual and can be seen in the variation in the pattern and size of the leaves.

Long favored by gardeners for its lacy leaves, dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) often serves as an accent to more vibrant colored flowers. However, the plant is more than just a sidekick. Many varieties of dusty miller give forth clusters of flowers. However it is the velvety leaves, varying by cultivar, that steal the show. Because dusty miller is evergreen and perennial it continues to add interest to the garden for years. It can be planted as a border; however, because it can reach up to two feet tall, it can also add height in the middle of the back of a bed.

Many stonecrop varieties, including October Daphne (Hylotelephium sieboldii), have a frosty blue tint to their succulent leaves. One of the marvels of this succulent perennial is that its leaves change colors with the seasons. In fall, expect silvery tones to give way to warm pink, red, and orange. Suitable for poor but well-draining soils, stonecrop is a great ground cover or pick for rock gardens. With so many types of sedum available, all with similar care requirements, this plant can be paired with others in its family. Far from repetitive, the different shapes and colors of sedum create a diverse display.

Dense branches of silvery blue needles make blue star Juniper (Juniperus squamata) a low-maintenance shrub that's popular for borders and rock gardens. Looking at the end of a branch straight-on, you'll understand why the plant is called 'Blue Star.' The shape clearly resembles that of a star. This slow-growing evergreen can reach a height and width of 1 to 3 feet. Once established, it doesn't need much in the way of watering. Some gardeners find pruning unnecessary, although dead or overgrown limbs can be removed in the spring. 

Native to the floodplains of the Mississippi River, foetid toadshade (Trillium foetidissimum) looks almost like a water lily with its saucer-shaped leaves topped with cup-shaped flowers. As its name suggests, it has an odor that may be less than pleasant. However, this wildflower makes up for it with the unique silhouette it strikes in the garden. Plus, its leaves are edible and can be cooked and prepared like collard, mustard, or other greens. Word to the wise: do this only if your garden is free from pesticides. 

For a fantastical (and spiky) addition to the garden, sea holly (Eryngium × zabelii 'Big Blue') fits the bill. Covered in frosty-colored spiny leaves and producing icy blue thistle-like flowers, this plant would look singular in many garden beds. Sea holly is prone to root rot, so plant it in well-draining, preferably sandy, soils. On the upside, the plant is drought-tolerant. As the name suggests, it can tolerate seaside placements, as it is salt-tolerant. More points in its favor: rabbits and deer avoid its sharp leaves, while bees and butterflies flock to its unusual flowers in summer. 

Maui wormwood (Artemisia mauiensis) is a small shrub with delicate, floppy, and frosty-colored foliage. It looks almost like something from a fantastical children's picture book, perhaps more so when it's trained to grow as a specimen tree. Like many plants on this list, it loves full sun and well-draining soil. Native to Hawaii, as its name suggests, it is accustomed to growing in rocky terrain, so consider it for a rock garden, drought-friendly xeriscape garden, or other rugged placements. Cold-weather gardeners beware: this lovely shrub is hardy only in warmer climes, specifically zones 9 to 11. 

Although it's often called low-maintenance, make the mistake of overwatering French lavender (Lavandula stoechas) or planting in the wrong soil type, and it will perish. Nevertheless, if you're after lovely flowers, you can hardly do better than this fragrant plant. French lavender has a less powerful aroma than its English cousin, but it's delightful nonetheless. It requires little watering and prefers poor soils. However, it doesn't like wet feet, so find a well-draining location. It will do well in container gardens if you amp up your watering routine. When properly cared for, this perennial will return each year.

Silver nickel vine (Dichondra argentea 'Silver Falls') cascades in a shimmery curtain, over rock walls or hanging baskets. However, it's also one of the best groundcovers, spreading in garden beds through its rooting stems. Choose a location in full sun to part shade and ensure it has well-draining soil. Keep in mind that silver nickel vine is native to desert regions and should not be overwatered. So neglect it for a while after a rain. You can grow the plant as an annual in most zones, or even as a perennial in warmer climates. 

A familiar site in residential and corporate plantings, lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) is a classic for a reason. Its fuzzy foliage and silver-green color make it an attractive counterpoint to brightly colored flowers. In fact, lamb's ear has flowers of its own—purple clusters that grow on tall spikes. However, many gardeners clip these to keep the plant from getting leggy. Lamb's ear plants are perennial and even evergreen in warmer climates. Remember: lamb's ear can spread fast when conditions are right. So, stay on top of maintenance if you'd rather this plant remain more of an accent and less of a groundcover. 

With gray-green foliage and spikes of purple flowers, silver lupine (Lupinus albifrons) is a charming pick for a silvery garden. It's a short-lived perennial, typically three to four years, but it can self-sow if conditions are right. Growing up to 5 feet, it adds both height and drama to the garden. It's a beloved food source for butterflies, bees, and birds but is toxic if ingested in large amounts by humans or pets. It's recommended to wear gloves when handling silver lupine and to follow up by washing your hands. Still, provided that you take simple precautions, it's a versatile garden plant.