25 Gorgeous Plants with Variegated Foliage

Indoor plants have been an appealing and attractive accessory for house decor enthusiasts for quite a long time now. They enhance the beauty of the place and reflect a positive and fresh vibe, and thus are preferred by many.

Variegated plants are one such variety of indoor plants that have been gaining much attention these days. Now you may wonder what variegated plants are.

Variegata is an English translation of the Latin word ‘variegare’, which means to make various colours. Variegated shrubs are plants with different colours in their design on their leaves, stems, and other parts. You may also witness distinct patterns on them, including dots, stripes, and more.

Here, in this article, we have handpicked the 25 most preferred variegated shrubs that you may choose easily among several varieties available.

1. Lonicera Nitida Lemon Beauty Plants

Lemon Beauty is a dense variegated shrub with a tint of green and yellow in its leaves, cream-coloured flowers, and berries of purple shade. This varied-coloured plant has a height of 3 to 6 feet tall. They are super easy to grow and maintain. They simply need well-fertilised soil, adequate drainage, and accessibility to sunlight.

The versatility of these plants makes them a suitable pick as house plants. You may use them individually or with other plants; they fit perfectly as groundcovers or for borders or hedging.

2. Japanese/ Spotted Laurel

Japanese Laurel’s vibrant foliage and beauty make it quite tempting for every gardener to introduce them into their house gardens. These are small shrubs that have flowers in the purple shade, and their berries occur in red colour.

Their variegated leaves and adaptability to different cultural conditions make them quite an easy-growing plant.

3. Salix Hakuro Nishiki/ Japanese Willow

The unique combination of green and cream colour on the leaves of Japanese willow makes them quite an eye-catching variegated shrub. With hardy nature, you may consider potting these plants to see a vibrant colour every new season. To ensure you provide them optimum support in their growth, make sure to place them in areas of full sun exposure or at least partial shade.

Choosing quality soil with good drainage also plays an important part.

4. Kilmarnock Willow

With a touch of green colour on its leaves and undertones of grey, this variegated shrub is an ideal plant to introduce to your balconies or gardens. You may also use them as flower borders, hedging beds, and more. Adequate sunlight is a must-have to promote the growth of these plants.

Additionally, to maintain these plants at their best, it is suggested to prune them properly at regular intervals. This promotes new, variegated growth every season.

5. Ovatus Aureus

These plants are variegated varieties of Japanese spindles. The bold mix of dark green-coloured leaves with hints of yellow on their borders makes them a treat to the eyes.

These are fast-growing plants, so they may prune adequately to contain their growth. Also, it is suggested to offer them suitable cultural conditions for their proper growth. Also, you may use fertilisers to improve your health.

6. Emerald Gaiety

Emerald Gaiety is an evergreen variegated shrub that showcases the blend of dark green and white borders on its leaves. What makes the plant more interesting and mesmerizing is that sometimes they allow you to witness these white borders turning into pinkish shades in cold temperatures.

You may easily grow them in pots with proper trimming and good soil.

Some individuals also associate these plants with luck.

7. Azalea

If you’re looking for options that can help you maintain the beauty of your garden all year long, then Azalea is a perfect pick. This variegated shrub is preferred by many because of its compact design, which allows its potting in containers as well.

They have variant colours on their leaves as well as flowers. The leaves showcase a beautiful mix of green and white, while flowers appear in pink and red shades. You may also use these plants for borders.

8. Cape Jasmine

Cape jasmine is another variegated plant that allows you to witness the beauty of different colours throughout the year. The beauty of two contrasting colours- dark green and white hues on their leaves gives them a vibrant look.

What makes these flowers more interesting is that not only are they super pretty but quite fragrant as well. So. if you’re looking for something beautiful but practical at the same time, these plants are an ideal choice. Liven up the whole area with these lovelies.

9. Dogwood

Now, dogwood is such variegated shrubs that offer you vibrance from their leaves to berries. They are the complete package of beauty, from their stems that possess a mesmerising red shade to their berries. Sometimes., their white berries also take green or blue colours.

These plants can be grown in full as well as partial sun exposure. You may use these shrubs for landscaping.

10. Oleander

Are you looking for a variegated shrub but are unable to find a suitable variant because of the harsh environment you’re living in? Then worry no more because we have come up with such an option that can survive even in extreme temperatures. Yes, you heard it right.

The oleander plant demands quite less water supply and presents a lovely mix of green and yellow colours on its leaves and bears flowers of pink shades.

11. Variegated Boxwood

“Buxus”, or boxwood, has been known for being used in crafting beautiful shapes for quite a good time now. But what’s more amazing is that they are available in variegated designs as well, which means the charm gets doubled.

These are the easiest ways to decorate your garden, and that too, with minimal effort. However, it is suggested to regularly prune your boxwood to keep them in their best shape. You may also use these plants for concealing areas you don’t want to show.

Additionally, boxwood is resistant to several kinds of adversaries, which means they adapt well to different cultural settings.

12. Euonymus Fortuneii

These plants are native to Japan, but who won’t want to introduce them into their gardens, given their good looks and artistry? Euonymus Fortuneii, a classic variegated shrub, has been a reliable gardening plant for a long period.

These plants grow well in full as well as partial sun. Their water requirements are also low. However, make sure to keep an eye on their soil condition; it if feels dry, it is better to water them at that time. Not only can they be used as ground covers or shrubs, but with adequate support and training, one may use them as a creeper.

13. Maculata

Native to south africa, the spotted patterns on its leaves and white borders make Maculata look super lovely. These plants blossom in spring, showcasing their beauty at their best. Some of these plants are also available in red-coloured leaf varieties.

It is advisable to water them only after when you feel the soil is dry or underwatered. Additionally, good ventilation is also one of the most important requirements of these plants to maintain their health.

14. Sansevieria

Sansevieria is a rare plant that serves more than looks. With horizontal lines on their leaves and yellow borders, these plants are used to eliminate a bunch of toxins from the surroundings, thus, cleaning the air and environment. Several individuals also associate these shrubs with luck, money, and positivity.

It is best to grow them indoors in the proper environment. You may place them in your house, office, and several other places.

15. Begonia

Used as indoor as well as outdoor plant options, begonia has been a reputed name in the category of variegated plants. The plant is native to Vietnam and has unique markings on its leaves that are somewhat of a maroonish shade.

The humidity requirement of the plant is quite high, and it needs to be watered regularly. However, you should be careful not to overwater them as the same could lead to conditions like root rot.

The light requirement of Begonia is super light. Direct or harsh sunlight can damage the leaf and its variegated patterns.

16. Ceropegia Woddii

Are you looking for something that can help you enhance the ornamental decor of your place? Then, Ceropergia Woddii can be the ideal solution. These plants are noted for their versatility and can be used as hanging, for topiary, and for several other purposes.

The upper side of the leaves has dark and silver patterns, while the reverse side has a touch of green and purple. Some of these variegated shrubs are also available in green and pink shades.

The best condition to grow Ceropegia Woddii is to provide them with adequate sunlight. However, one should be careful not to expose them to too much heat as the same could burn the plant. Pots with potholes that allow proper drainage are suggested to be used for their planting.

17. Philodendron

Among the several varieties of Philodendron, some of its variants also come in variegated patterns. These are noted for their rarity and, thus, are expensive.  Their natural variegated varieties have beautiful patterns of stripes and dots that you find on the leaves. Each natural variegated plant showcases a similar pattern; however, that is not the case for other variants.

The varieties that have evidence of chimeric variegation come with a distinct pattern and colour for each plant. It is a result of their genetic mutation.

18. Variegated Monstera

Variegated Monstera has been a decorative houseplant for quite a long time now. Additionally, such varied patterns can be witnessed in several variants of Monstera, including Monstera deliciosa, albo borsigiana, aurea, mintadansonii, and more.

The big leaves come in different designs with dots of white and yellow colour making them an eye-catching piece no matter where you place them. Before bringing these plants home, you must know they are quite delicate and need your proper attention and care for healthy growth.

19. Calathea

The mesmerizing foliage of these variegated Calathea has made them a constant in the list of highly preferred houseplants. The leaves of Calathea look like a work of art where you can see the whole palette of different greens and stroked patterns that feels like someone drew them using a brush.

The cultural requirement for these shrubs includes sufficient watering but low light requirements. Additionally, it is also suggested to use mineral or distilled water for growing Calathea in the best manner.

20. Bird of Paradise

Variegated Bird Of Paradise is a whole palette of distinct bold colours. Their leaves might appear in shades of green, yellow, or white, making them the showstopper.

In addition to unique foliage, these plants also have several practical properties. For instance, they eliminate toxins from your surrounding and, thus, enhance your mood and spirit. Such uses have made them a popular option to be used as a houseplant, for office, desk, and gifting.

21. Marshmallow

The lovely combo of green and white strokes on the leaves of marshmallows makes them the absolute favourite of every gardener. Their flowers come in distinct colours like light and dark pink with sages of purple and green.

In addition to this colourful palette, the marshmallow plant has a history of being used for medicinal purposes. They survive well in moist kind of cultural environments.

22. Variegated Holly

With a subtle mix of green and white, Variegated Holly is used as a decor element in several events like parties, Christmas, and more.

They bear fruits of red colour and can be grown in conditions of full to partial sun. These plants require plenty of water to maintain their healthy growth. With little attention and care, you may grow these small shrubs into big ones.

23. Aglaonema

Coming from the family of Araceae and being native to Asia, Aglaonema has quite a good presence as houseplants all across the globe. These are most suitable n growing indoors as harsh sunlight can damage the vibrant colouration on their leaves. It means you may place them in areas that receive lighter amounts of sunlight. Also, do not water them daily as that could lead to overwatering, which may result in conditions of dead or wilted leaves.

24. Croton

Croton comes from the family of Euphorbiaceae. The amazing mix and match of different colours like dark green, orange, pink, and more make them quite a catch.

Like Aglaonema, these plants also grow best in light sunlight. Also, these plants are drought-resistant, meaning you do not need to water them daily. Carefully monitor the soil condition and analyse if its top levels are dry; that is the ideal time to water your plants. Croton also requires pruning as the same can promote new and fresh variegated foliage.

25. Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster originally belonged to the rose family and is highly popular because of its ornamental design. The shrub bears beautiful flowers in shades like white, pink, orange, and more. 

The height of the shrub ranges between 1 to 5 feet, and they grow best in full sun exposure. It is recommended to use soils with good drainage for their plantation, and you may add compost to enhance their health further.

Conclusion

Using different colours in your garden can help you create a bold impression easily and quickly. And what could be better than variegated shrubs that allow you to do the same in an environmentally-friendly manner? It means your serve aesthetics as well as the environment at the same time.

A bunch of variegated plant options are available in the market that covers different types of needs. Some of them could be used for boosting beauty, some are known to bring positivity, some have features like cleaning the air, and some can survive even with minimal maintenance. This article has helped you hone down the 25 most popular variegated shrubs that you consider purchasing following your demand. Keep following for more gardening solutions and tips, and also let us know what plants you are planning to introduce to your gardens. Comment below.