Favorite foliage plants

Nolan loves plants for their structure and showy leaves. He’s not a fan of blooms, saying, “White and chartreuse are the two flower colors I can tolerate.” Here are some of his top picks.

Fatsia japonica. “What I love most about this plant is its tireless work ethic,” Nolan says. “Planted in either sun or shade, this is the handsdown, ‘tough as nails’ winner for foliage in the garden.” With broad, glossy green leaves, it does well in various soil types, and can tolerate nearly freezing temperatures. Helleborus foetidus. With deeply cut foliage; limegreen new growth; and chartreuse, bell-shaped blooms in winter, Nolan says that hellebores thrive on neglect with average watering and a little mulch. “The first garden I ever designed contained this plant, and it still remains my favorite ground cover for light sun to shade,” Nolan says. “I love its durability and elegance. It is absolutely stunning year round.” Hydrangea quercifolia. Its deeply lobed leaves turn red in the early winter. “I love pruning this plant, taking the cuttings and putting them in an arrangement,” Nolan says. “Even the flowers are special — instead of the traditional mop head, it develops tapering cones of blossoms that last for months.” Monstera deliciosa. Typically an indoor plant, it can grow outdoors in San Francisco with shade and support. “The best thing is the huge heartshaped leaf it produces,” Nolan says. “I cut three or four leaves, put them in a glass vase, and it looks just as chic as anything you can find at a florist.” Schefflera pueckleri. “This is an evergreen tree that I cannot get enough of — I wish they were planted all over the city,” Nolan says. It has shiny, drooping leaves that hang like a curtain of foliage, and is great for screening. It can be grown as a tree in the garden, and also does well in containers.