foliage plant

American  

noun

1. any plant grown chiefly for its attractive leaves.

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Etymology

Origin of foliage plant

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

I simply mention this as a foliage plant.

From Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. by Wood, John

As a foliage plant it is very handsome, the leaves bending gracefully, and the whole specimen having a neat appearance.

From Hardy Perennials and Old Fashioned Flowers Describing the Most Desirable Plants, for Borders, Rockeries, and Shrubberies. by Wood, John

Matricaria.—This is a half-hardy annual of little interest so far as its flowers are concerned, and is mostly grown as a foliage plant.

From Gardening for the Million by Pink, Alfred

Edge a plate with uniform sized leaves of foliage plant of the same tints as the fruit, and pile the fruit artistically upon it, tucking sprays or tips of the plant between.

From Science in the Kitchen. by Kellogg, Mrs. E. E.

A handsome evergreen foliage plant, said to grow to a height of 100 feet in its native habitat.

From Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens by Cook, Ernest Thomas