From Burning bush to Coral bells: 7 plants change colour throughout the year and look different every season

Gardens are often associated with colourful flowers, but some of the most eye-catching plants don't rely on blooms alone. Instead, their leaves transform with the seasons, shifting from green to shades of red, orange, purple, yellow or even pink. These ever-changing plants bring year-round visual interest and make balconies, patios and gardens look dynamic without requiring constant replanting.

Here are seven stunning plants known for changing colour throughout the year.

Croton

Croton is one of the most colourful foliage plants you can grow. Its thick, glossy leaves display vibrant shades of green, yellow, orange, red and even purple. As the plant matures and receives bright sunlight, the colours become even more intense. No two leaves look exactly alike, making crotons a striking addition to indoor and outdoor spaces.

Best for: Sunny balconies, patios and bright indoor corners.

Coleus

Coleus is famous for its dramatic foliage, which can feature combinations of lime green, burgundy, deep purple, pink, red and cream. The colours often shift depending on sunlight, temperature and the age of the leaves. New growth may emerge bright green before gradually deepening into richer shades.
Best for: Pots, borders and shaded balconies.

Japanese maple

Few plants showcase seasonal colour changes as beautifully as the Japanese maple. Fresh spring leaves may appear reddish or lime green, deepen during summer, and then transform into brilliant crimson, orange or golden yellow in autumn before falling.
Best for: Gardens in cooler climates or large decorative containers.

Nandina

Also known as heavenly bamboo, Nandina offers year-round colour changes. New foliage often starts with bronze or reddish tones, turns green in warmer months and develops fiery red shades during cooler weather. The plant may also produce bright red berries, adding another layer of seasonal beauty.
Best for: Garden borders and decorative landscapes.

Virginia creeper

This vigorous climbing vine transforms dramatically with the seasons. During spring and summer, its leaves remain lush green. As autumn approaches, they turn brilliant scarlet, crimson and burgundy, creating a spectacular display across walls, fences and pergolas.
Best for: Covering walls, fences and trellises.

Coral bells

Coral bells are prized for their colourful foliage rather than their flowers. Depending on the variety, the leaves may change from silver and green to bronze, burgundy, caramel, lime or deep purple throughout the year. Cooler temperatures often make the colours even richer.
Best for: Containers, shaded gardens and borders.

Burning bush

For much of the year, the burning bush has simple green foliage. As temperatures cool, however, it undergoes one of the most dramatic transformations in the plant world, turning a vivid scarlet red that can brighten an entire landscape.
Best for: Spacious gardens and hedges.

Why do some plants change colour?

Plants change colour for several reasons. Seasonal shifts in temperature, sunlight and daylight hours affect the pigments in their leaves. While chlorophyll keeps leaves green during active growth, other pigments such as carotenoids produce yellow and orange shades, while anthocyanins create red, pink and purple hues. Genetics also play an important role, which is why some plants display colourful foliage throughout the year rather than only during autumn.


Whether you're looking to brighten a balcony or create a garden that looks different every season, these colour-changing plants offer an easy way to keep your outdoor space vibrant all year long.