One of the many advantages of having your own garden is that you don't have to consult with a committee before you make any changes, move any plants or decide to rip out something that no longer pleases you. In my case I have decided that the large variegated Fatsia 'Spiderwort' with its green leaves that look as though they have been dusted with white paint does not enhance my garden. In fact, if I didn't know better I would think that the plant was sickly. Perhaps I'm not sophisticated enough to appreciate the unique qualities of this Fatsia but there are variegated plants that I think are garden worthy (at least for now). Growing out by my mailbox is a group of three Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty' with tiny leaves that are variegated yellow and green. I have underplanted this small shrub with Sedum 'Angelonia,' which makes for a pleasing combination.
If I had the space I would grow the variegated dogwood, Cornus controversa 'Variegata.' (One of the most beautiful specimens I ever saw was growing in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.) Its tiered branches, spreading habit and green leaves edged in cream make for a lovely specimen or focal point, especially against a backdrop of evergreens. A variegated selection of the kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' offers beautiful white blooms and handsome foliage which doesn't seem to burn in the sun. Another large shrub or small tree that lights up the landscape with green leaves that have yellow gold margins is variegated Japanese aralia, Aralia elata 'Variegata.' Growing up to 10' tall or taller by 6 to 10' wide it is also suitable for growing in a large container.
Two trees with colorful foliage that I discovered this spring on a visit to Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland (my mother lives near the garden so I try to visit at least once or twice a year) are variegated eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis 'Silver Cloud' with white and pink variegated foliage and Zelkova serrata 'Goshiki,' a variegated Japanese elm with leaves that have a green center and cream around the edges. In autumn the zelkova foliage turns shades of red and orange, adding to its beauty.
Shrubs with variegated foliage that bring brightness to the garden or containers include variegated boxwood and shrubby dogwoods like Cornus sericea 'Hedgerows Gold.' I plan to add this dogwood to my own garden for its golden yellow variegation and red stems in winter.
These are just a few of my favorite shrubs and trees with variegated foliage. Keep in mind that a little variegation goes a long way. There are many other ornamentals that come with various combinations of colorful foliage, including abelias, hollies, hypericums, maples, osmanthus and weigelia. For a large listing of plants with variegation, visit VariegatedFoliage.com, a mail-order nursery in Eastford, Connecticut.
Erica’s pick
Variegated boxwood
Botanical name: Buxus sempervirens 'Aureovariegata'
About the plant: This boxwood has a dense compact habit and small green leaves edged in creamy yellow. It can reach 8 to 10' at maturity but it is easy to control the size with pruning.
Use in the Garden: Perfect for containers, hedges, topiary or as part of a mixed shrub border for a spot of evergreen color.
Planting and Care: Plant this boxwood in full sun or part shade in a moist well-drained soil.
Source: Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birmingham Hwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004, 770-777-5875.
Erica Glasener is a horticulturist and host of "A Gardener's Diary" which airs at 6:30 a.m. Fridays on HGTV. For questions visit Erica Glasener's Web Site .
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