Watch a patch of Mexican Daisy sway in the breeze, and you’ll see why it’s so beloved. Also known as Seaside Daisy or Fleabane, this vigorous, spreading herbaceous perennial forms a low, sprawling mound of small, narrow, soft green leaves on wiry, branching stems. From spring through autumn (and often into winter in milder gardens), it produces a profusion of small, daisy-like flowers that open white or pale pink and gradually mature to deep pink or rosy purple. The result is a beautiful, multi-toned effect across the plant at any given time, like a soft, drifting cloud of butterflies.

Step into any stylish indoor space, and you’re likely to spot this glossy, architectural beauty gracing a corner or brightening a patio. The Dwarf Umbrella Tree, also known as Dwarf Schefflera or Hawaiian Elf Schefflera, is a compact, evergreen shrub or small tree treasured for its handsome, hand-shaped foliage and its easy-going, forgiving nature. It features a profusion of glossy, palmate leaves, each composed of 7 to 9 oval, leathery leaflets arranged like the spokes of an umbrella—hence the name. Those rich, dark green leaves are borne on slender, upright stems that branch freely, creating a dense, rounded canopy that adds a lush, tropical feel to any setting. In ideal conditions, mature plants may produce inconspicuous greenish-white flowers, but you’re really growing this for those magnificent, sculptural leaves.

If you’re after something a little different, Foxtail Fern is a delightful choice. Also known as Cat’s Tail Asparagus or Katstert, this compact evergreen perennial has graceful, upright-to-slightly-arching stems densely clothed in soft, bright green, needle-like leaves. Those stems form cylindrical, foxtail-like plumes that emerge from a central point, creating a neat, bushy clump with wonderful architectural interest. In summer, small, fragrant, white star-shaped flowers appear among the foliage, followed by showy, bright red berries that persist into winter and attract birds.

If you want to make a bold statement in the garden, it’s hard to beat leaves the size of dinner plates. Elephant’s Ear—also known as Taro or Amadumbe—is a robust, tuberous evergreen perennial grown for its spectacular, oversized foliage. Enormous heart- or arrow-shaped leaves, typically 20–50cm long, are held aloft on thick, succulent stems that rise directly from underground tubers. Depending on the cultivar, the leaves come in lush green, deep purple-black, or variegated combinations, creating a bold, tropical, almost prehistoric effect. In summer, inconspicuous arum-like flowers may appear, but let’s be honest—you’re growing this for those magnificent leaves.

For a burst of crisp, cheerful colour, few plants beat the Cape Marguerite. Also known as Van Staden’s River Daisy or Blouwitmagriet, this fast-growing evergreen perennial shrub produces large, luminous daisy flowers up to 8cm across. The classic form features striking white ray florets (often a soft blush pink on the reverse) surrounding a central disc of intense deep blue or purple. The peak flowering period is in spring, but blooms continue through summer into autumn, providing months of reliable colour. The lush, dark green aromatic leaves form a dense, leafy mound that sets off those showy flowers beautifully.

Close your eyes and breathe in. That sweet, vanilla-like scent with hints of cherry pie? That’s Heliotrope. Also known as Cherry Pie or Garden Heliotrope, this bushy, tender perennial shrub forms a compact, rounded mound of handsome, oval, dark green leaves with prominent veins and a rough, wrinkled texture. From late spring through autumn, it produces large, showy clusters of tiny, tubular flowers in stunning shades of deep purple to violet-blue, often lightening with age. The fragrance is powerful and intoxicating, perfuming the entire garden.

Even without its violet-blue blooms, this shrub’s creamy-white variegated foliage would still demand attention. The Variegated Potato Bush, also known as Variegated Blue Potato Bush or Paraguay Nightshade, is a fast-growing, semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub with a rounded, bushy to slightly arching mound of slender branches. Its dark green leaves with wavy margins are beautifully edged and splashed with soft, creamy-white to pale yellow, creating a luminous effect even when not in bloom. From spring through autumn (and often year-round in mild coastal gardens), it produces an abundance of broad, trumpet-shaped flowers in rich violet-blue to purple, each with a prominent, star-shaped golden-yellow centre that seems to glow. Those sweetly fragrant blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies.

For a shrub that adds sophisticated colour without being overpowering, Golden Dewdrops ‘Gold Mine’ is a standout. Also known as Sheena’s Gold, this compact, evergreen shrub features attractive, ovate leaves in rich, deep green, each adorned with a striking, irregular margin of bright golden-yellow to lime-green. The effect is luminous and eye-catching, providing year-round interest and wonderful contrast to darker greens and flowering plants. In summer, delicate clusters of tubular, powder-blue to lavender flowers nestle amongst the variegated leaves, followed by decorative, drooping clusters of showy, golden-yellow berries that persist into winter and attract birds.