Yellow is the colour of positive energy and generally regarded as a happy colour. When one sees yellow it stimulates the senses and helps to lift the spirits. Yellow is the colour associated with the sun and prosperity, making it the perfect choice as we start a new year. Yellow in the garden comes in many ways. Through flowers it brings joy and happiness and as the symbol of friendship yellow flowers are quietly there to remind us that we are never really alone. But it is in the yellow foliage plants where there is so much scope to play and explore.

Plants with yellow foliage extend the feeling of light and are perfect when used as a contrast creating depth and interest to the landscape. When planting yellow leafed plants remember that the colour will intensify in the full sun and be more of a lime yellow if they get some shade.

Alternanthera
An heirloom plant that was popular in the Victorian era today there is new interest in it because it provides season-long colour with little attention. The plants grow in a compact, mounded shape and both stems and leaves are bright yellow-green. The small white flowers are insignificant. Brightest when planted in full sun, the colour turns a lime green half sun. The plant has many landscape uses. It's great as an edging to define plant beds and can be used to create patterns and shapes.

 It is also regarded as a great contrast plant as it enhances other colours and makes them look more vibrant. That's particularly true with magenta, purple or blue. It's a perfect choice for containers and in baskets where it spills over the side.

 Abelia Francis Mason
Abelia has long been a favourite of local gardeners. As a fast growing shrub to around 1.5 meters they became popular as fast filling shrubs in the garden. Different varieties have broadened the range and the yellow leafed Francis Mason is still one of the most popular plants in South African garden centres. The bright yellow foliage grows more compact if regularly shaped and all the Abelia’s are well suited to small hedges. The new growth tinges rust and white flowers are a constant through summer.

This evergreen shrub looks great in winter to when the colours intensify and all the leaves get an amber rust tone which change back to bright yellow in early spring. Grow them as a topiary ball in a container surrounded by Black Mondo as a striking contemporary statement.

Duranta Gold
Duranta Gold has brilliant golden foliage and loves the heat. As an evergreen shrub it can easily grow to over two metres but usually pruned to a much lower height.Full sun is best for a good golden colour. The plant responds well to regular pruning often used as a low hedge to contrast against other foliage. Small flowers are lavender-blue but it flowers on the tips of branches so when used in topiary one does not often see them. Ideal feature plant and will brighten up drab parts of your garden with its striking golden foliage.

There are different varieties of gold Duranta with Sheena’s Gold the most popular. Goldmine is also becoming popular as a screening shrub.