Variegated is defined as an adjective meaning with different colors and adding variegated plants to you garden will add an attention getting element. There are variegated plants for almost every zone and every condition. You can choose from ground covers, trees, grasses and water plants. Most of them are easy to grow, so don’t be afraid to give them a try. The National Gardening Association will help you find your correct zone.
Acer palmatum ‘Butterfly This Variegated plant is actually a tree in the Japanese Maple family. It is hardy in zones 5-9. The blue green leaves are ringed with pink in the springs, which changes to white. It can grow to 10 feet in height and looks great by itself, centered on a lawn, but it does not like very hot sun.
Grass – Variegated Ribbon This plant will grow to be about 36 inches high and is hardy in zones 4 to 11. The leaves are white with different shades of pink. It is the perfect Variegated plant for the sides of a garden pond. It loves moist soil, hot sun and can be grown in the pond itself as long as the water is not more than 4 inches deep.
Coral Bells – Plum Pudding This Variegated plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and can be used in many places in a garden. It makes a great ground cover, works well in rock gardens or as a border plant. It grows to about 12 inches high and has grey, silver and purple leaves with green and maroon flowers during the spring and summer.
Chameleon Plant This variegated plant is a ground cover. It grows to 15 inches high, but each plant will spread out about 4 feet. The leaves are a riot of color – red, pink, white, green, and yellow. It needs light shade conditions and soil that it well drained and moist. It is also good for rock gardens and ponds.
Coral Bells – Amethyst Myst This Variegated plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9. It had deep purple leaves that look like silver dust has been sprinkled on them. It can grow as high as 25 inches, likes well drained soil and full shade. It is a great ground cover or border plant.
Hydrangea – First Editions™ Light-O-Day This Variegated plant is hardy in zones 5-9. It like full sun and can take just about any type of soil. The foliage is white with pink or blue flowers. It can grow as high as 5 feet and is perfect for a container garden.
Yucca – Variegated This Variegated plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9. It needs full sun and can take just about any type of soil. The leaves are green, framed with white. When the plant is between 5 and 6 years old. A spectacular 6 foot tall flower will bloom from the middle. It makes a great border plant.
Coral Bells – Silver Scrolls This variegated plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9. The leaves are silver and plum with veins that start out as purple and turn to green. In the spring small white flowers will appear, but they take a backseat to the foliage. This one can be used almost anywhere in the garden. It likes partial sun and normal, sandy or clay soil.
Arborvitae – Sherwood Moss This Variegated plant is hardy in zones 5 to 7. It can grow as high as 6 feet and likes full sun. This one makes a great hedge or windbreak. It is an evergreen with a deep bronze color in winter.
Hosta – Liberty This variegated plant is hardy in zones 3 to 9. It likes full shade or partial sun. The leaves are dark green framed in gold and lavender scented flowers. It is another good choice for a container garden.
