Variegation

This term relates to irregular markings (eg spots, patches, streaks) in varying colours. It is usually used to refer to leaves which are green with markings of white, yellow or other colours.

When propagating plants variegated leaves should not be used for leaf cuttings as the resulting plants will not be variegated. Equally, root cuttings from variegated plants will result in plants with plain green leaves. Very few variegated plants sown from seed will result in a variegated plant.

Reversion can occur with variegated plants, where part of the plant reverts back to its non variegated form. Any reverted stems should be immediately pruned out to prevent the entire plant reverting.

Here are some examples of plants with variegated foliage:

• Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’
• Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’
• Arum italicum subsp. italicum ‘Marmoratum’
• Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’