When Leaves Come First

(Continued from Page 1) By Janet Loughrey, special to HGTV.com
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Miscanthus 'Super Stripe' (photo courtesy of Blooms of Bressingham)
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Trachelospermum 'First Snow' (photo courtesy of Wayside Gardens)
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'Haight Ashbury' (photo courtesy of EuroAmerican)
Some of the most striking variegations are the horizontal stripes found on ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus.' Recent introductions include M. sinsensis 'Gold Bar', with bands of gold and green, and M. sinensis 'Super Stripe', which has wide margins of pale white and forest green. These reliable perennials offer color into late fall long after most flowers are gone.

Variegated groundcovers are a great solution for lightening up a shady area. Gardeners in cold climates benefit from the many sturdy forms of spotted deadnettle including 'Pink Pewter' (Lamium maculatum) and bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) 'Burgundy Glow', which are hardy to USDA Zone 3. Gardeners in milder climates (USDA Zones 7-10) can grow Asian jasmine 'First Snow' (syn. Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Snow 'n Summer'), with pink and white new growth fading to hues of marbled cream and green. The trailing habit is also attractive on a trellis or in a container.

Gardeners prize hibiscus for the flamboyant flowers that appear in mid- to late summer, but some varieties are also noted for foliage. One of the most versatile is 'Red Shield' (H. acetosella), which has an upright bushy habit and deep maroon foliage. New in 2007, the aptly named 'Haight Ashbury' has deeply lobed leaves in a kaleidoscope of white, pink, green and burgundy hues. These hibiscus are grown as annuals in most areas and are effective in containers or mixed borders.

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Begonia 'Benitochiba' (photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries)
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'Cathedral' (photo courtesy of Terra Nova Nurseries)
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'Pesto Perpetual' basil (photo courtesy of Sunny Border Nurseries)
Begonias are nearly unrivaled in their popularity as houseplants and conservatory specimens, and for good reason. The rhizomatous types are easy to grow, and the foliage is often whorled, veined and patterned. When the weather warms in spring, these indoor plants perform double-duty in the garden as accent or container plants, and in warmer climates as bedding plants. The frosty, deeply lobed foliage of 'Benitochiba' is infused with rich burgundy tones and green veining. 'Cathedral' has ruffled leaves of green on top and an underside of deep red accented with green, suggestive of stained-glass windows.

Kitchen gardens are no stranger to bicolor or multicolor herbs such as pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') and 'Tricolor' sage (Salvia officianalis). The first variegated basil is sure to win rave reviews with edible and ornamental gardeners alike. The foliage of 'Pesto Perpetual' (Ocimum x citriodorum) is edged with a wide margin of creamy white. The upright columnar habit and generous height (to four feet tall) make this a striking focal point. This variety doesn't flower, so it keeps its aroma and flavor all season long.

Designing a garden with variegated plants

  • Use variegated plants sparingly in the garden. Because many patterns are quite bold and striking, they can be most effective in combination with more subdued plants that are complementary. The intense yellow and green of Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n' Gold' has more visual impact when paired with the saffron flowers of cinquefoil (Potentilla aurea). Think of pairing the groundcover bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Multicolor'), the metallic burgundy-green leaves suffused in cream and pink, beneath the rich purple canopy of smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') for a dazzling effect in a mixed border.

  • Take advantage of the multiple roles that variegated plants can play in the garden. Patterned foliage creates the sensation of movement, adding a new dimension of depth and a sense of complexity. Shade-tolerant varieties can be used to lighten dark areas. Bold-leafed forms provide a dramatic focal point in a mixed border. Trailing vines such as periwinkle (Vinca minor) 'Illumination' make an attractive accent for containers. Extremely colorful foliage such as 'Kong' coleus looks best when standing alone or surrounded with neutral hues of green or gray.

    There's a variegated plant for every garden, whether an expansive mixed border, small courtyard, balcony or a single container. From supporting role to radiant star, these patterned plants add an unforgettable touch to any garden space.


    — Janet Loughrey is a horticulture photographer and writer who lives and gardens in Portland, Oregon. Her work has appeared in     Sunset, Better Homes and Gardens and Country Living Gardener. Her book Gardens Adirondack Style was published in 2005 by Down East Books.