Variegated plants are hard to resist with their strikingly colorful leaves. Patterns are created in stripes, speckles, dots, and delicately trimmed edges. There are so many different colors and patterns, it’s hard to choose among them. There’s no limit to how many designs you might select for houseplants, but you will need to be more strategic when selecting ones for your garden. Mixing too many different patterns can be distracting. Limiting choices to single plants or small groupings will be more pleasing.
Some variegated plants are so dramatic they clearly become your garden’s focal point. Larger, more strongly variegated patterns are especially striking when placed in front of dark backgrounds at the back of garden beds where they can be seen from a distance.
Other variegated plants have more subtle patterns, but won’t fail to attract attention. Add them to patio planters to make it easier to see delicate features. Plant them in clusters near contrasting plants to make them stand out. Or plant variegated shrubs between solid-leaved shrubs for a bold contrast.
A popular design strategy is to pair two different variegated plants featuring similar colors. If one has leaves that are mostly green with a little yellow, its companion would be mostly yellow with a little green. You can also complement the colors of variegated plant leaves with similarly colored flowers. For instance, a variegated plant with cream-colored edges would look pleasant planted among peach- or pink-colored flower blossoms.
Intermingling light-leaved variegated plants with solid green ground cover in shady areas creates an interesting dynamic. ‘Touch of Class’ Jacobs Ladder is a woodland plant that prefers moist, humus soil. Its dark pink buds open into pale lavender flowers in late spring. ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Jacobs Ladder is more tolerant of partial sun. Its green leaves are splashed with creamy white and have pink edges. Both contrast well with dark green ground cover.
Some variegated houseplants you might want to try are Monstera Thai Constellation and Philodendron Ring of Fire. The monstera has creamy white speckles that resemble stars on its huge fenestrated leaves. By contrast, the smaller philodendron has speckles of variegation varying from cream to flaming red and orange on its narrow leaves.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in growing variegated plants is finding the best site. You will want to find the right level of light for the plant’s specific needs. Typically, the more white or yellow variation in a leaf, the more sun it will need. But too much sunlight can scorch leaves, so you will want to avoid full sun. Fortunately, many variegated plants are bred to adapt to various conditions. It will be easier to find the right spot for houseplants or outdoor container plants, but it will take careful planning for gardens.
Master gardener Vicki Spencer has an eclectic background in conservation, water, natural resources, and more.