Cannas are a great option for the tropical foliage look, Jo Ann. Plus they're so easy, as long as you keep up the water and fert they will keep putting up leaves until it's cold.
My daughter in Utah has a huge planter that she puts Cannas in each spring, and they are gorgeous. She starts her tubers from the year before in smaller pots in the sunny windows of her kitchen, so they are well started by the time the weather's warm enough outside.
If you feel like browsing, here's a link to Florida Hill Nursery's Canna selection. Most are sold out at the moment but they'll have the full selection in the spring. 'Pretoria' 'Blueberry Sparkler' 'Australia' and 'Intrigue' all have interesting colored foliage, and some have gorgeous flowers. This nursery is one of only a few I've ordered from that don't rip you off on the shipping, too.
http://www.floridahillnursery....
