VariegationIf you are here for Wordless Wednesday kindly scroll down to the next post. Think about joining ABC Wednesday it is a good, fun group.
I really wanted to have seasonal tie in to this post so I went yesterday and found a Variegated Poinsettia. Here are two views of two different plants. I wasn’t sure about the second one since the leaves were solid green but since the colored parts of a Poinsettia are actually ‘bracts’ or modified leaves I think it counts as variegated. Actually I found out after writing this variegation counts on flowers, stems and leaves.
The reasons for and the types of variegations can get quite scientific. While I am fascinated by plant science and it is a necessary part of my work it really comes down to weather I like the looks of a plant and how well it functions in its position. In that way I guess I am more of a farmer then a scientist. I do like variegated plants and find them a good way to accent plantings and in shade gardens, especially, brighten up the garden. Most have a certain elegance about them that can add a touch of class to what would normally be a mundane planting.
A good low light houseplant, Pilea cadierei or Aluminum Plant is an example of blister type variegation.
(Tradescantia zebrina)Simply put a plant is considered variegated when there is more than one color on the leaves. These colorings have to be genetic and not the product of soil deficiencies, pests or plant diseases. There different types of variegation including striped, mottled and margined. Generally variegated plants are less hardy, slower growing and considered weaker than their all green counterparts. They can only be reproduced by vegetative reproduction (don’t come true to seed).
A plant with a lot of synonyms, Buxus sempervirens 'Elegantissima' or Variegated Boxwood. An example of margined variegation. This picture shows some of the striking effect variegated plants can have in the garden.
