26 Bold and Beautiful Plants That Defined 1980s Garden Trends

The eighties were a clock time of bold statements and vivacious designs , and this extended to garden as well . Homeowners embraced plants with striking colors , unique textures , and dramatic form to reflect the epoch ’s passion for dash and individuality .

From tropic favorites to showy blooms , these plants transform thousand into lively out-of-door sanctuary . get ’s take a close look at 26 bold and beautiful plants that defined the unforgettable garden trends of the 1980s !

Bird of Paradise

With its exotic appearance , Bird of Paradise was a 1980s favorite , tot a dab of tropical flair to gardens . Its vivacious orange and blue flowers mime a bird in flight , making it a standout feature . Often place as a focal point , this plant add a hint of the tropical zone to even the most temperate climates .

While it thrives in warm areas , it can also be tame indoors in cooler region . This adaptability , coupled with its sculptured foliage , made it a versatile choice for garden fancier . Its unique social system complement both advanced and traditional garden purpose .

Hosta

Renowned for their rich foliage , Hosta became a staple fiber in 1980s gardens . These perennials pop the question a variety of leafage shapes , sizes , and colors , add up grain to shaded blank . Their full leaf could turn any shadowy recession into a lucullan retreat .

Easy to maintain , hostas flourish in fond to full shade , making them ideal for underplanting trees or alongside shaded paths . Despite their lowly - profile flowers , these plants were have it away for their leaves . Their mien in 1980s garden was both practical and aesthetic , effortlessly fitting into diverse garden style .

Maranta

Also known as the Prayer Plant , Maranta ’s oculus - catch foliation made it a popular indoor industrial plant during the 1980s . Its leaves , adorned with intricate gullible and purple patterns , wreak life to indoor spaces . Known for their drift , the leaves fold up at night in a prayer - like manner .

Thriving in indirect light and humid atmospheric condition , Maranta was perfect for homes with limited sunshine . Its stocky size and dramatic appearance made it a go - to choice for adding greenery without overcome a outer space . This industrial plant ’s impulsive nature intrigue and delighted plant lovers .

Fuchsia

Fuchsias , with their vivacious two - toned flower , captivated eighties gardener . Their pendulous blooms , in shades of pink and purple , fetch a bold touch to give ear baskets and container gardens . These plant were staring for creating a splashing of color in little spaces .

idealistic for cool , funny spots , fuchsia became synonymous with the English cottage garden aesthetic . Their long florescence season ensured uninterrupted color , making them a deary for patios and porches . Fuchsias added a touch of elegance , transforming average space into flowered case .

Coleus

Coleus brought plangency to eighties gardens with its multicolored foliage . experience for its kaleidoscope of leaf color — ranging from red and pink to green and yellowed — this industrial plant was a favorite for adding instantaneous impact . It thrived in both Dominicus and shade , offering versatility in garden design .

Whether used as a border plant or a container centerpiece , coleus provide optic pursuit throughout the raise time of year . Its repose of growth and maintenance made it accessible to gardeners of all skill levels . Coleus was celebrated for its power to lift up and individualise garden spaces .

Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller , with its silvery - gray-haired foliage , offered a subtle elegance to 1980s gardens . Its leave-taking provide a diffuse , hushed contrast to more vibrant flowers , making it an of the essence element of sundry perimeter . This flora ’s unequaled color and grain added depth to garden compositions .

lively and drought - tolerant , Dusty Miller thrived in gay spots , requiring minimum tending . Its ability to hold out various condition made it a reliable pick for both novice and experienced gardeners . In a decennary of bold colour , its understated collection was a refreshing balance .

Impatiens

Impatiens dominated shaded garden box in the 1980s , celebrated for their bright , cheerful peak . useable in a spectrum of colors , these flowers offer uninterrupted colouration throughout the acquire season , brightening even the darkest garden spots .

Adaptable and easy to grow , impatiens thrived in tint , require picayune upkeep . Their compact class made them idealistic for borders and container gardens , ensuring they check into any garden setting . These plant were loved for their power to land living and reverberance to areas often overlook .

Lantana

Lantana ’s kaleidoscope of peak made it a standout in 1980s garden . Its cluster of belittled bloom , often commingle multiple color , attract pollinator and bring dynamic move to garden bed . This vibrant plant life thrived in the sun , double-dyed for brightening sunny spots .

Known for its resilience , lantana required minimal watering once found , making it suitable for low - maintenance gardens . Its power to blossom extravagantly throughout the season ensured a ceaseless display of color . Lantana ’s lively presence bring vim and vibrancy , resonating with the bold spirit of the 1980s .

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart , with its delicate , heart - shaped flower , brought a feeling of love affair to shaded 1980s gardens . These charming flush , in soft pinkish and bloodless , hung graciously from arch stems , lending an air of flightiness to garden place .

Thriving in nerveless , shaded areas , bleed hearts were everlasting for woodland gardens or shaded borders . Their early outflow blooms provided a welcome flare-up of color after winter , effortlessly blending with other shade - eff flora . The industrial plant ’s nostalgic appeal and gentle beauty made it a dear choice for gardeners seek elegance .

Elephant Ear

Elephant Ear plants made a big assertion in 1980s garden with their oversized leaves . These tropic works , with their bold , architectural foliage , added a spectacular speck to garden designs . Their lush , green leaves created a sense of exotic evasion .

Preferring warm , humid consideration , Elephant Ears thrived in tropic and semitropical regions . However , they could also be grown as annuals or container plant in cool climates . Their telling sizing and shape made them perfect for create focal points or adding depth to garden landscapes .

English Ivy

English Ivy , with its classical trailing vines , was a pop choice for tally greenery to vertical space in 1980s gardens . Its ability to climb and traverse walls , fence , and trellises brought a touch of timeless elegance to outdoor configurations .

expand in partial to full spectre , English Ivy was idealistic for produce profuse , unripened background or cushion hardscapes . Its evergreen nature ensure year - round interest , making it a reliable choice for garden structure . Despite its simplicity , English Ivy ’s magical spell repose in its versatility and digest appeal .

New Guinea Impatiens

New Guinea Impatiens bring a burst of color to 1980s gardens with their vibrant , large blooms . Unlike their shade - loving counterparts , these plant thrived in gay spots , providing gardener with more placement options .

know for their resiliency and continuous flowering , New Guinea Impatiens were perfect for lighten garden beds and borders . Their larger flowers and various gloss range added a cheerful touch to any outdoor space . This plant life was fete for its adaptability and power to bring bluff color to various garden configurations .

Daylily

Daylilies , with their bright , trumpet - shaped prime , became a garden staple fiber in the 1980s . Known for their hardiness and adaptability , these plants expand in a variety of conditions , make them ideal for both beginner and experient gardeners .

Each daylily flush lasted just a day , but the works ’s power to produce multiple flowers ensured uninterrupted colouring throughout the season . Their vibrant shade of orangish , yellow , and red ink brought warmth and cheerfulness to garden borders and beds , embodying the joyful tone of the decade .

Hibiscus

Hibiscus , with its large , showy flowers , play a tropical hint to 1980s gardens . These shrubs , known for their vivacious reds , pink , and yellows , became focal points in garden designs , draw attention with their bold rosiness .

Thriving in warm clime , hibiscus plants add a sense of the exotic to temperate garden . Their exuberant foliage and uninterrupted anthesis provided a dynamical backdrop for other plant life . Hibiscus was cherished for its ability to evoke a holiday - like atmosphere , making it a favourite for garden enthusiasts seek escape .

Geranium

geranium , with their bright clump of blooms , were a staple in eighties container gardens . know for their cheerful red , pinks , and T. H. White , these brave plants thrived in sunny spots , adding a pop of color to patios and balconies .

Their thick size and informality of care made geraniums perfect for gardeners with limited blank . They expect minimum lachrymation and upkeep , yet provided a long - last showing of color . Geraniums convey a tactile sensation of nostalgia and were celebrated for their versatility and hold out charm .

Canna Lily

Canna Lilies , with their bold blooms and coin foliage , brought a touch of tropical dash to 1980s garden . Known for their vibrant reds , oranges , and yellows , these plants became a favorite for adding dramatic event to garden designs .

Their with child leaves and tall bloom spikes created a sense of height and social system , build them pure for creating focal tip . flourish in gay slur , Canna Lilies required minimum care once established , making them a pop choice for gardener seeking crushed - alimony beauty . Their alien appeal and vivacious colouring captured the decade ’s bold disembodied spirit .

Spider Plant

Spider Plants , with their cascading leaf , were a popular indoor choice in the 1980s . sleep with for their foresightful , arching leaves that often run around white stripes , these plants added a soupcon of nature to internal space .

Their resilience and easy forethought made them idealistic for homes and offices , flourish in indirect brightness . wanderer Plants were also known for their air - make pure quality , make them a pragmatic choice for improving indoor environments . Their playful appearance and ability to produce child plants made them an engaging and rewarding flora to farm .

Peace Lily

Peace Lilies , with their refined livid blooms , became a symbol of indoor tranquility in the 1980s . know for their shining , gloomy dark-green leaves , these works were a favorite for adding a touch of sophistication to dwelling interior .

Thriving in downcast - light conditions , Peace Lilies were complete for shaded corners and federal agency , requiring minimum forethought . Their power to improve air quality further enhanced their appeal . These plant were hold dear for their calming presence and refined blooms , making them a beloved addition to indoor plant collections .

Rubber Plant

Rubber Plants became a program line piece in eighties interior with their sheer , glossy leave-taking . These indoor trees add height and drama , fitting seamlessly into forward-looking or traditional decor . Their sturdy nature made them a favourite for busy households .

prosper in indirect ignitor , Rubber Plants required minimal watering and care , pretend them ideal for those young to indoor gardening . Their large leaves were not only visually outstanding but also excellent at distill the line . Rubber Plants were appreciated for their full-bodied growth and ability to transform indoor spaces .

Jade Plant

Jade Plants , with their heavyset , sarcoid leaves , were a popular choice for 1980s homes and offices . Known for their resilience and easy care , these succulents added a speck of verdure to sunny indoor spots .

Often associated with good luck , Jade Plants became common endowment , symbolizing successfulness and friendly relationship . Their ability to flourish with minimal watering made them perfect for fussy lifestyles . Jade Plants were cherished for their longevity and classic charm , adding a timeless jot to any decor .

Philodendron

philodendron , with their lush , trailing vine , were a beloved houseplant in the 1980s . cognise for their heart - shaped leaves , these plants supply a skin senses of verdure and fogginess to interiors .

Their adaptability to various light condition made them easy to grow , boom in both lustrous and shaded areas . Philodendrons were pure for hanging baskets or as climb plants , providing a versatile option for indoor horticulture . Their lush growth and lowly maintenance requirements made them a staple fiber in many home , enhancing decor with their vivacious presence .

Zebra Plant

Zebra Plants , with their striking striped leaf , append a touch of novelty to 1980s interiors . Their boldface , motley leave of absence made them a standout characteristic , perfect for adding contrast to plant appeal .

Thriving in collateral light , these plants required regular watering to uphold their succulent appearance . Despite their care requirements , Zebra Plants were get laid for their unique appearance and ability to captivate attention . They provide a quirky charm , making them a popular alternative for plant enthusiasts seeking something dissimilar .

Caladium

Caladiums , with their spirit - form leaves , brought vibrant color to 1980s garden . Known for their striking pattern in hue of pink , ruby-red , and white , these plant contribute flair to shaded beds and borders .

Their druthers for shade made them idealistic familiar for other leafage plants , creating lush , coloured display . Caladiums required regular watering and care to maintain their vivid appearing . Despite this , their bold colors and unique practice made them a favorite for nurseryman front to tot up pastime and personality to their outdoor space .

Maidenhair Fern

Maidenhair Ferns , with their ticklish , webby frond , provided a soft , ethereal touch to 1980s garden . These plant were perfect for shaded nooks , offering a blue-blooded demarcation to bolder leafage .

Thriving in cool , moist environment , Maidenhair Ferns need uniform care to maintain their lush appearance . Their intricate fronds and graceful growth made them a pop choice for adding texture and elegance to garden penning . Despite their finespun look , these ferns held a bouncy appealingness that catch garden enthusiasts .

Boston Fern

Boston Ferns , with their plushy , curve fronds , were a staple of eighties porch and patio . These fern added a contact of classical elegance , perfect for creating a welcoming entryway .

Their preference for humid experimental condition made them idealistic for outside shaded areas or indoor spaces with indirect twinkle . Boston Ferns required regular misting to maintain their lushness , but their graceful visual aspect was deserving the effort . These ferns were celebrated for their power to soften spaces and add up a touch of timeless beauty to any setting .

Yucca

Yucca plant , with their spiky farewell and towering flower spikes , bring a touch of the desert to 1980s gardens . Known for their architectural descriptor , these plants added social organisation and pinnacle to garden designs .

thrive in sunny , teetotal circumstance , Yuccas were pure for low-down - water landscapes and xeriscaping . Their ability to hold up rough condition made them a practical choice for gardeners in arid regions . Yuccas were appreciated for their prominent visual aspect and resilience , substantiate the bluff spirit of the decade with their dramatic flair .

26 Bold and Beautiful Plants That Defined 1980s Garden Trends