Dark-foliaged plants in a garden

For a great effect in a garden, place dark-foliaged plants with others that share a common pigment. Here harmony, rather than contrast is the theme. Since dark foliage is as varied as any other, first determine what pigment you're dealing with---for example, if it tends to be blue, cerise or brown/green, choose companion plants that share this pigmentation. Deep pink roses or rhododedron blooms can share the warm tones of the crimson foliage o a Japanese maple or the dark purple foliage of a smoke tree can highlight the fragrant mauve flowers of a dwarf lilac and, later, the velvety purple flowers of Clematis viticella.