Silver FOR THE WIN

Silver may be second place on the podium, but these container plantings from the BHG Test Garden show how the shimmering hue can lead the way.

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Whether the backdrop is a leafy green garden or a dark fence, a container of silver plants lights up the landscape. In this full-sun container, BHG Test Garden manager Sandra Gerdes uses 'Aladin' curry plant's upright form and fine-texture leaves as a foil for two spilling herbs: 'Tricolor' sage, with its purple-and-silver leaves, and delicate 'Silver Queen' thyme. While the silver foliage draws the eye, once you come closer, you're struck by the plants' incredible scent too.

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED

Silver-leaf plants come in all sorts of forms, allowing you to make them the star or utilize them as an accent in a container or garden bed. Here are some of our favorite varieties for sun or shade.

1 LICORICE PLANT

Velvety yet tough with a mild anise fragrance.

2 JACK OF DIAMONDS' BRUNNERA

Leaves grow up to 10 inches in a mounding habit; thrives in the shade.

3 ANGEL WINGS' SENECIO

A perfect contrast plant with its large, soft, and silver-white foliage.