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

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.

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

Of the value of this as a "fine foliage" plant there can be no doubt; it is very telling, and always admired.

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

The house was built on the line of the street—a solid front—but the interior rooms faced a court yard, filled with the most exquisite foliage plant and palms like forest trees.

From My Trip Around the World August, 1895-May, 1896 by Hunt, Eleonora