Among my gardening friends, a few prefer any shrub, tree or perennial that offers some degree of variegated foliage. Others prefer tiny plants with which they can fill troughs. Still others prefer bold, large plants with huge leaves that appear to be adapted to the fat life.

"Red Flash" caladium

        It is true that the widest selection of big-leaved plants is available only to those who garden in tropical zones. But a handful will survive in gardens that know winter lows of minus-20 degrees. Other tubers can be brought indoors to winter.

        These plants are invaluable (to the lover of the big and bold) because in addition to the lovely architecture of their leaves, they offer striking contrast to more fiddling perennials and shrubs.

        Most of these oversized plants will thrive in partial shade, and some relish damp, soggy conditions where other plants will not flourish. The plants mentioned are not suitable for small properties; they need space to multiply in order to look their best.

        If you have the room, maybe a large damp, shady spot on your property that is going to waste, consider the following:

"Black Magic" elephant's ear

        • The giant Japanese Butterbur (Petasites japonicus) is an impressive addition to the garden, but it needs careful placement. It belongs to a genus of 15 species and takes its name from the Greek word for broad-brimmed felt hat, petasos. It is a native of bogs and wet places in the coldest parts of Japan.

        T.H. Everett remarked in his Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening that, “with few exceptions, this plant has little or no garden value.”

        I couldn't disagree more. The attractive rounded basal leaves of this butterbur are 15 inches across on stems as tall, and the edges of the leaves are wavy like a pie crust.

        • Elephant's-ear “Black Magic” (Colocasia vars.) is a stout plant from the Asiatic tropics with thick, fleshy leaves shaped like huge arrow heads about 2 feet long on stems that can top 4 feet high.

        These are not hardy in our area, and the tubers must be lifted and stored over winter in a cool, dry, frost-free corner of the basement.

SOURCES

• Petasites japonicus usually must be ordered. Try Goodwin Creek Gardens, Williams, Ore.; (541) 846-7357.     • Caladiums: Spring Hill Nurseries, Tipp City; (888) 238-8118.     • Bottlebrush Buckeye: Nurseries and garden centers.

        • Caladiums come in many colors and thrive in sun or shade. Try Caladium X hortulanum “Red Flash” in your hot border. The foliage remains in perfect condition all season. Again, store tubers over winter.

        • For striking foliage and flowers on a shrub, try the horse chestnut or Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora).It produces dark green leaves divided into five to seven 3- to 8-inch-long leaflets. Showy white flower clusters 8 to 12 inches long appear in early summer.

        This is a good choice for massing (on a large property) or as a specimen planting. This plant requires good drainage; do not plant in a swampy area.

        Contact Tim Morehouse by Web site: www.getmoregarden.com; mail: c/o Cincinnati Enquirer. (If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
       
        Spring Hill Nurseries
       Photo credit for caladiums

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