What is Variegated Foliage?

Variegated foliage is plant foliage which grows in several different colors. Some plants have leaves which may individually vary in color, but more commonly, variegated foliage involves multiple colors on the same leaf. The foliage may be striped, splotched, or edged in a contrasting color. Many gardeners like plants with variegated foliage because it makes a garden look more visually dynamic, and it can relieve the bland effect of monochromatic greenery. Some plants produce variegated foliage naturally. Tropical plants in particular are famous for their distinctive multi-toned foliage, which can include shades like green, yellow, red, and purple. In other cases, plants are specifically bred to produce special colors of foliage by a nursery. Some plants appear to lend themselves more easily to this than others. Hostas, for example, are famous for their variegated foliage and the many shades which it can take. Trees, shrubs, grasses, and plants can all be bred to have variegated ...  more