16. Leucothoe
Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Girard’s Rainbow’ is an evergreen with foliage splashed in cream, green, pink, and red, for an eclectic look in Zones 5 to 9.
Red leaf petioles add to the cacophony of color, and in spring, pendant clusters of tiny white, bell-shaped blossoms grace the arching branches of this mounding bush.
‘Girard’s Rainbow’ prefers shady locations with some sun, where it grows to a mature height and width of three to five feet.
Best uses include mass plantings in foundation and perimeter borders, as well as ornamental specimens.
You can find ‘Girard’s Rainbow’ available at Nature Hills Nursery.
17. Lilac
Variegated lilac, Syringa vulgaris ‘Aucubaefolia,’ has medium green leaves splashed with yellow, for an unexpected twist on this plant’s typical green foliage in Zones 3 to 7.
In spring, with its fragrant lavender-blue blossoms in full swing, it’s a heady attraction.
In full sun locations, it can reach a mature height and width of 10 feet, for a commanding presence.
Allow it to fill out, or prune it like a small tree. Plant en masse if you have the space, or as a standalone focal point.
You can learn more about how to grow lilacs in this guide.
18. Lily of the Valley Shrub
While pieris is an evergreen landscape staple, particularly in formal settings, the variegated variety, Pieris japonica ‘Variegata,’ is somewhat more playful and attention seeking with creamy white margins on its spear-shaped foliage.
At home in full sun to part shade, it does best in Zones 6 to 9, where its compact height and width of three to five feet offer versatility.
Best uses include mass plantings, friendly hedges, and potted or garden focal specimens. Plants generally don’t appeal to foraging deer.
Learn about Pieris japonica care here.
19. Oleander
Variegated oleander, Nerium oleander ‘Variegata,’ is a tropical evergreen that has spear-shaped medium green leaves with irregular cream-colored margins.
It grows in Zones 9 to 11, and has fragrant clusters of bright pink flowers from summer into fall.
This is an upright plant with a rounded shape that grows to impressive heights of 10 to 18 feet and widths of 10 to 15 feet. With artful pruning, you can shape it like a tree if desired.
Group several for privacy screening, or plant individually. Tolerance of drought, poor soil, and pollution are above average.
Find variegated oleander plants available from Southern Living via Walmart.
Read more about growing oleander shrubs here.
20. Rose of Sharon
The deciduous white-tipped, blue-green foliage of rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Sugar Tip,’ does indeed appear to have been dipped ever so slightly into confectioner’s sugar.
And to round out the confection, it has flouncy pink double-petal flowers that bloom in summer.
Best in locations with part sun in Zones 5 to 9. ‘Sugar Tip’ has mature heights of five to six feet, and a spread of four to six feet.
Use as a mid-story mass planting, privacy hedge, or specimen in mixed cottage garden beds.
You can find ‘Sugar Tip’ rose of Sharon starter plants available from Burpee.
Read more about growing rose of Sharon here.
21. Spirea
Spirea is a powerhouse in the landscape, and this variegated cultivar, Spiraea japonica Double Play ® Painted Lady® ‘Minspi,’ is no exception.
With vibrant foliage splashed by a euphoric artist in cream, yellow, and medium green, it never fails to dazzle in Zones 4 to 8.
And as if that weren’t enough, in addition to the foliar highlights, there are fuzzy magenta spring blooms for bright color and rich texture.
At home in full sun to part shade, it’s two- to three-foot height and width render it a top selection for gardening in small spaces. It is also noteworthy for its deer and drought resistance.
Learn how to grow spirea in your garden here.
22. Weigela
Deciduous Weigela florida ‘My Monet’ has bright green leaves with irregular cream margins accented by pink.
It is especially attractive from spring into summer, when a profusion of trumpet-shaped pink flowers appears.
Perfect for full sun locations in Zones 4 to 6, it is a low-profile plant with mature heights and widths of 12 to 18 inches.
Best uses include beds, borders, and containers, both grouped and alone. This plant is noteworthy for its deer resistance.
Find ‘My Monet’ plants in #2 containers available from Nature Hills.
23. Yucca
Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ has vertical leaves with dark green margins and creamy yellow centers that are stemless and sword-like, for a bold structural statement.
It is a tropical evergreen for Zones 4 to 10.
The foliage is approximately three feet tall with an equal spread. In summer, a stalk rises five feet or more, and produces a panicle of bell-shaped, cream-colored blossoms.
Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’
Resistant to cold, drought, heat, and humidity, as well as deer and rabbits, this is a hardy water-wise shrub that is appropriate for both xeriscaping and container gardening.
Find plants in one-quart and #2 containers available from Nature Hills Nursery.
Learn more about growing yucca plants here.
A Stylish Staple
As you can see, there are quite a few variegated shrubs.
As the mid-story workhorses of the garden, as well as standalone full size and compact specimens, their varied hues are sure to increase the visual appeal of your landscape.
