For example, I'm quite fond of variegated leaves that have striped, streaked or spotted leaves. I also use many plants that feature chartreuse or golden leaves. The biggest contrast to plain green is bronze.

In your landscape, on your patio and even indoors, you can showcase plants with dark foliage. Some may be chocolate brown, or reddish purple or nearly black, but the effect is the same. Dark foliage adds depth and drama, providing extreme contrast for flowers and other leaves.

Some trees and shrubs offer bronze leaves, including selected forms of barberry, plum, elderberry, sand cherry, smoke bush and choke cherry. They stand out in the landscape. In addition, these trees and shrubs often turn bright red in fall.

In perennial borders, some plants that feature bronze foliage include selected forms of coral bells, ligularia, cardinal flower, hardy hibiscus, sedum and mondo grass. Annuals or tropical plants that feature dramatic dark leaves include varieties of castor bean, canna, banana, coleus, spike dracaena, New Zealand flax, sweet potato vine, elephant ears, fuchsia, burgundy fountain grass and several types of begonias.

For indoor use--or a shaded patio--try dark leafed forms of rex begonias, philodendron and rubber tree. These look particularly pleasing in contrast to the white wicker furniture on my front porch.

Plants with bronze foliage absorb heat, just like cars with dark paint. Because of this, they can be vulnerable to sun damage if they dry out. For best results, keep them well watered and position them where they receive some protection from the hottest afternoon sun.