variegation

Speaking of combining colors, I’ve heard lots of talk lately about how we should avoid using yellow variegated plants in the same beds, or even in the same garden, with plants of white variegation.

While autumn works its magic, remember it is possible to warm up the garden all year with yellow and golden foliage, in solids or patterns of variegation.

These are bushy plants that display a range of leaf colors, some with dramatic variegation.

Ironically, the variegation that is so prized makes a plant slower and more difficult to grow because of lower chlorophyll levels, says Miles Jonard, owner of The Plant Store in White Center, who has a master’s degree in plant physiology.

The in-vogue plants right now include the Philodendrons, Hoyas, Anthuriums, Scindapsus — especially silver varieties like ‘Platinum’ — and plants with white variegation or velvety leaves.