But silver-leaved perennials, whether they flower or not, offer striking accent to other plants, and on a moonlit night they can mimic the drama of the sea. Silver-leaved plants may play many roles in a garden setting. They will highlight bright, colorful perennials like red verbena, blue campanula or pink mallows. They can mellow out strident colors of orange Zinnia angustifolia, bright yellow yarrow or a magenta cranesbill geranium. Garden paths and walkways glow at night when edged with silver foliage.
Silver adds light and sparkle to dull, green areas.
Many silver-leaved plants get their hue from hundreds of tiny hairs that cling to leaves. Most plants' leaves are actually green, and it is downy fur that gives a silver-gray hue. This is nature's way with many silver-leaved plants. The cultivar silver brocade has fine silver leaves chiseled into scallops. It resembles the annual Dusty Miller, but is hardier and much more refined.