Variegation is a word you often here muttered in the gardening world. But, what is it really? Well, a ‘variegated leaf’ has differently coloured zones on its surface. This colouring can sometimes occur on the stems too. Variegated leaves occur spontaneously in nature, and can sometimes be selected and propagated from. They are extremely sought after and collectable.
During my recent trip to Japan, I was privy to some amazing private collections of unusual plants, many of which included some variegated gems. Some of these examples are super rare, and probably haven’t been seen by western eyes until now.. Enjoy!
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- Meehania urticifolia is my pick of the bunch! A ‘forest edge’ plant, related to Deadnettle and here in it’s cream-soaked form!
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- Pinus thunbergii (we think) is an intriguing and handsome form of a well-known conifer!
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- Melia azedarach is the Indian Lilac, and makes a tree 15 metres high. A potion of the plant can actually keep grasshoppers at bay!
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- Magnolia grandiflora is the big daddy of the magnolia world, with HUGE white flowers, with a sweet fragrance, and now gold-bullion foliage too!
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- Wisteria floribunda- I think this plant is rather marmite… But, just imagine the contrast of lilac blooms and that golden speckled foliage!
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- Quercus robur is a tough form of Oak tree, which is actually loved by butterflies seeking out larval food!
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- Hosta longipes var. longipes is a slow-growing Japanese beauty, with more than just stripes, check out the speckles too!
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- Viburnum japonicum is a Japanese favourite, with snowball blooms, and here with custard-splashed leaves!
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- Paeonia obovata carries neat, single, pink flowers, and occurs in China, Japan and Korea
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- Athyrium niponicum is a winciette style fern, which is ultra handsome and a wise choice for an awkward shady spot!
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