Top 10 Foliage Plants Every Flower Farmer Should Grow

When most people start flower farming, they picture armfuls of colourful blooms, Dahlias, Snapdragons, Zinnias - And of course, they're the stars of the show. But here's the truth most new growers learn the hard way:

Without foliage, your bouquets fall flat

You need structure. Contrast. Texture and movement. A sense of fullness that turns a few stems into a story. And for that, you need more than showstoppers. You need greenery that works just as hard as your flowers.

So let me walk you through the top 10 foliage plants I grow deliberately, cut constantly, and recommend to every flower farmer who wants their arrangements to stand out and sell out.

My top 10 foliage plants

1. Eucalyptus (Silver Drop or Gunnii)

Let's get the obvious one out of the way. It's not trendy. It's not flashy. But it works with everything. That soft grey-green tone makes your colours pop and gives a bouquet that elevated, modern look. Sow it from seed in autumn for best results, and don't cut too early or it will wilt.

Pro tip: Buy a few established plants for quick cuts, and sow your own to build up your future stock.

2. Ninebark (Physocarpus)

Deep burgundy foliage that screams sophistication. It gives contrast, depth, and looks expensive. The May blooms are a bonus, but the real value is in the leaves. It’s woody, it’s hardy, and once you’ve got it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. It given colour when you really need it without more blooms

3. Raspberry Foliage

Yep, the same raspberries you eat. If you’ve already got fruiting canes, you’ve got foliage ready to cut. It’s light, veined, and gives that lush, romantic, straight-from-the-garden vibe.

4. Blackberry Foliage (Thornless)

Similar to raspberry but with more edge. Literally. I grow a thornless variety that gives me beautiful, pointed, sometimes burgundy-tinted leaves. And if you're careful, the unripe fruit adds a surprising twist to arrangements. Use the fruits before they ripen ,It the green and red stage, before they are dark black and will stain your customers clothing!

5. Smokebush (Cotinus)

If Ninebark is velvet, Smokebush is like chiffon. It's hazy plumes and moody purple leaves add softness and a bit of drama. It’s completely underrated and grows like a beast. One plant will give you armfuls for years! I also love using the dainty mustard coloured flowers. They are insignificant compared to the leaves but are a great contrast.

6. Lepidium

Technically a seed pod filler, but it acts like foliage. Airy seed pods that add lightness and movement. I sow it direct in monthly successions so I always have it ready to cut. Bonus: it’s easy, fast-growing, and cheap to produce.

7. Dahlia Foliage (Especially Bishop’s Children)

I grow certain dahlias just for foliage. The deep bronze leaves are stunning and cut beautifully before the plant blooms. I don't even let them flower. I just keep cutting the leaves — lush, architectural, and productive.

8. Alchemilla Mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

Chartreuse clouds and scalloped leaves that soften every arrangement. Whether you’re working with brights or pastels, this brings it all together. Slugs hate it. Deer love it. Just a heads-up!

9. Grapevine

Big, bold, and ideal for arches or large-scale arrangements. One mature vine can give you dozens of long lush stems each time you trim it — which you’ll need to do anyway unless you want it taking over. Pair with unripened fruit for that Tuscan wedding vibe.

10. Hops

Wild, trailing, and packed with texture. I love this for installations and large arrangements where you need that slightly feral, movement-filled look. And trust me — guests always ask what it is.

Honourable mentions which should be in the top 10 but I can't fit them in (Typical Florist - always wanting more)

Cineraria – Brilliant for boutonnières, soft silver leaves, grows easily from seed.

Rosemary – For scent and structure. A staple in my back garden beds, and a winner for fragrance

Mint – Fresh, fragrant, and wildly underestimated. Adds scent, texture, and a “just-picked” vibe to bouquets. Bonus points: keeps ants off your boutonnières and guests guessing what smells so good.

Why foliage matters

Foliage isn’t just filler, It makes your arrangements feel full, intentional, and it helps your stems stretch further.

So if you're sowing seeds and planning your patch, don't forget the greens.

Because the growers who treat foliage as an afterthought are the ones panic-cutting their garden the night before market. But the ones who plan for it? They’re the ones whose bouquets get snapped up first.