Hosta a.k.a. Hosta Plataginea

Among the extensive selection of hosta varieties, some of these plants can grow giant leaves on massive plants ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall and wide.

Extremely popular, this big-leaf outdoor plant is known to brighten up shady gardens in an easy-going, low-maintenance way. Best in zones 3 to 9, hostas like full to partial shade, and moist and rich soils.

Ligularia a.k.a. Ligularia Dentata

Also known as: “Britt Marie Crawford,” this big-leaf outdoor plant is arguably the best of the dark-leaved forms of Ligularia, far surpassing the rest in depth of pigment and ability to hold its color throughout summer, even in warmer climates.

As they sprout, the glossy leaves, which might reach about a foot in diameter, are a rich purplish black. In late summer, bright orange-yellow flowers dramatically appear in 40-inch-tall black stalks.

Ligularias are typically undemanding and easy to grow as long as you respect a few basic requirements: deep, rich, moist soil; periodic feeding to keep plants flourishing; and some protection from the midday sun in hotter climates.

Where it can be well watered, Ligularia even makes an outstanding single specimen in a larger sized container.