Variegated Foliage Enlivens Shady Areas

Crabapple LandscapExperts know that variegated plants are essential for the creative landscape. One great way that we brighten up shady spots in the landscapes we maintain is with the use of plants with colorful variegated leaves.  

Added-value landscapes depend on four-season plants that yield attractive gardens year round. The days are long past when a shrub or perennial bloomed for two weeks and then moved backstage until the following year. 

Variegated plants are the refreshing cutting edge of contemporary horticulture, with their colorful edgings, veinings, splashes, marbling, mottling, all adding to the landscape color palette.    

Regardless of whether or not variegated shrubs or perennials have flowers, their patterned leaves provide interest and enliven dark spots for months at a time, particularly in the case of broad-leaved evergreens.  Residents love the colorful foliage so much the flowers don’t matter! 

Whether large scale as with a variegated tree or small scale as with a colorful groundcover up close and personal, variegated foliage is the winning way to add long-term color.

Example Variegated Shrubs:

Aucuba variegated Gold Dust Plant (top left)

Variegated Abelia Twist of Lime

Buxus Golden Dream 

Arborvitae Golden Spire

Example Variegated Perennials

Hosta 'Francee' (right)

Tiarella ‘Dark Star’ Coral Bells

Example Variegated Groundcovers:

Liriope 'Variagated' (center right)

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'  (above left)
Trachelospermum 'Snow N Summer' Asiatic Jasmine (left)


Consult with your LandscapExpert Rep to include more of these sparkling shrubs in your properties' landscapes.