Gray is a color that is not usually very present in nature; in fact, we will only find gray plants in very specific regions, such as on the coasts, as well as in arid or semi-arid places. In the rest of the world, the vast majority of plant species acquire the characteristic green color or one of its many variants that we like to see so much.
Therefore, when we pass near a gray plant it is difficult for us to ignore it. And it is that although green is very beautiful, it does not hurt to decorate a garden, patio or the interior of the home with other colors. If you want to know what are the names of those with grayish leaves, take a look at our selection.
acacia baileyana (Golden mimosa)
Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang
La acacia baileyana It is an evergreen tree that grows between 5 and 10 meters in height. Its leaves are grayish or bluish in color, and sprout from branches that form a rounded crown.. Its flowers are yellow, with the appearance of a dancer's pom-pom, and are approximately one centimeter in diameter. It is a very interesting plant to grow in small gardens, even in large pots. It tolerates pruning and drought, and also supports up to -4ºC.
Agave parryi (Maguey)
Agaves are very grateful plants. They are used to enduring long periods without water, and extreme heat. Now, if you are looking for a gray one, we recommend the Agave parryi. Its leaves are leathery, with black spines on the margin, and grow to form a rosette approximately 50-60 centimeters high.. Of course, it only blooms once in its life; after producing seeds and suckers it dies. But fortunately it can be enjoyed for several years. Resists up to -15ºC.
echeveria elegans (Alabaster rose)
Image - Wikimedia / Syrio
La echeveria elegans It is a succulent or non-cactus succulent ideal for growing in a pot. It grows forming a rosette that reaches an approximate height of 5 centimeters and a diameter of about 10-15 centimeters. It is not exactly a gray plant, as its leaves are actually bluish-green in color, but they have a whitish coating on top that makes it appear as if they are gray., hence we include it in this list. It needs a lot of light, and little water. It is also important that you protect yourself from hail and frost.
Cerastium biebersteinii (Cerastium tomentosum)
Image - Wikimedia / Carstor
El Cerastium tomentosum (now called Cerastium biebersteinii) is a perennial plant that reaches a height of approximately 50 centimeters. Its stems branch from the base, and small grayish leaves sprout from them. Towards the end of spring and beginning of summer it produces white flowers in great numbers. It grows in full sun, and easily withstands moderate frosts, down to -10ºC.
Fescue glauca (Blue fescue)
La Fescue glauca It is a grass with very thin leaves that can be bluish-green or greyish in color. It grows fast and reaches a height of 30-40 centimeters. The most interesting thing is that if it is planted in the ground, it takes care of itself practically since it does not need to be watered unless the earth is very dry, and it withstands direct sun well. Withstands frosts down to -12ºC.
Jacobaea maritima (maritime cineraria)
Image - Wikimedia / Digigalos
La cineraria maritima (now called Jacobaea maritima) is a herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 1 meter. It has a more or less rounded bearing, as it branches from the base, producing numerous branches that are filled with leaves which are light white on the underside and glabrous-greyish on the upper side. It blooms towards the end of spring, provided it is in direct sunlight. In addition, it does not need much care, as it resists drought very well as well as frosts down to -10ºC.
matthiola incana (Wallflower)
Image - Wikimedia / David J. Stang
La matthiola incana It is an herb that produces beautiful flowers in spring-summer. These are blue, white, red, pink, purple ... or multicolored. Its leaves are greyish-green, and sprout from straight stems that reach a height of 30-60 centimeters. It is perfect for pots, planters, as well as in the ground. Supports up to -12ºC.
Pachyveria compactum
Image - Flickr / stephen boisvert
La Pachyveria compactum It is a succulent that, as you can imagine, is compact, and also small. It grows up to 5 centimeters tall by about 7 centimeters in diameter, and has fleshy leaves. These are grayish green in color, and have lighter lines in the beam. It is suitable for beginners: you have to put it in a place with a lot of light, with soil for succulents (for sale here), and water only when the soil is dry. If there are frosts in your area, protect it indoors until they pass.
Sempervivum calcareum (Always alive)
Image - Wikimedia / Cillas
El Sempervivum calcareum It is a small succulent, which grows up to 5 centimeters in height by about 20 centimeters in diameter, whose fleshy leaves are triangular in shape and are gray-green with red tips. It is perfect for rockeries, low pots, or compositions, but it is important that the soil is light and that it is watered only when it is dry. Withstands cold and temperatures down to -20ºC.
Teucrium fruticans (Olivillo or olivilla)
El Teucrium fruticans It is an evergreen shrub widely used in xero-gardening, that is, it is widely planted in gardens with little irrigation. The reason is that, not only is it highly decorative with its whitish stems and greyish-green leaves, it is also drought-resistant if it is on the ground. It can measure up to 2 meters in height, but you can have it lower since it tolerates pruning. In fact, it is often kept as a low hedge, 1 meter or less. Also, you should know that it blooms in spring, producing small, lilac flowers. Resists up to -12ºC.
Which of these gray plants did you like the most? Do you know others?