The Variegated Arboricola, also known as sunglo, is a unique and hardy evergreen shrub that can brighten up any garden or landscape. With its creamy variegated foliage and silver or golden edges, this plant adds a touch of elegance and beauty to any outdoor space. Whether planted as a specimen tree or used as a colorful hedge or border plant, the Variegated Arboricola is sure to catch the eye.
One of the best things about the Variegated Arboricola is its versatility. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, making it a great choice for gardens with different lighting conditions. It is also quite tolerant of frost, which makes it suitable for planting in colder climates. Additionally, it can be used as a climbing plant, adding height and interest to fences or trellises.
Caring for Variegated Arboricola is relatively easy. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and size, though it is not necessary for the health of the plant. For reference, the Variegated Arboricola can grow up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide, so consider its size when planning your landscaping.
When landscaping with Variegated Arboricola, it pairs well with other evergreen shrubs such as Abelia, Euonymus, or Hebe. The creamy variegation of the Variegated Arboricola can create a striking contrast when planted next to plants with darker foliage, such as the Jack Frost or Colin Hebe varieties. In shaded areas, it can be planted alongside plants like Osmanthus or Wintercreeper, which will provide a vibrant and colorful backdrop for the Variegated Arboricola’s unique specs.
In addition to its beauty, the Variegated Arboricola is also known for its ability to attract wildlife. The fragrant flowers of the Arboricola japonica variety can attract bees and butterflies, while the orange and golden foliage can provide a source of food and shelter for birds. If you have a pool or water feature in your garden, the Variegated Arboricola can be planted near it to create a lush and tropical atmosphere.
With its hardy nature and stunning variegation, the Variegated Arboricola is an excellent choice for any landscape design. Its unique colors and interesting foliage make it a standout plant that will surely catch your guests’ eyes. So, if you’re looking for a shrub that will add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden, consider the Variegated Arboricola.
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Favorite Variegated Shrubs
When it comes to adding color and interest to your landscape, variegated shrubs are a must-have. These plants feature unique foliage with contrasting colors, such as silver and green or golden and orange, making them stand out in any garden or planting area.
One popular variegated shrub is the Variegated Arboricola. With its creamy edges and green center, it adds a bright and colorful touch to any location. It is a perennial shrub, meaning it will come back year after year, and it is frost tolerant, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Another favorite variegated shrub is the Variegated Euonymus. This deciduous shrub has striking golden and green foliage, adding a pop of color to any garden. It has a compact habit, making it perfect for smaller gardens or for planting as a specimen shrub near windows or doors.
If you are looking for a variegated shrub that can also serve as a privacy screen, consider the Variegated Wintercreeper. This fast-growing shrub has green and white leaves and can quickly fill in gaps or provide a lush backdrop for other plants. Its thick foliage also makes it a popular choice for attracting wildlife to the garden.
If you prefer variegated shrubs with a more herbaceous habit, the Variegated Privet and Variegated Osmanthus are excellent choices. These shrubs feature green and white foliage and produce fragrant flowers in the spring. They are versatile plants that can be used as hedges, foundation plantings, or as accents in mixed borders.
For a variegated shrub with a unique appearance, consider the Variegated Fuchsia. This compact shrub has green leaves with silver edges and produces masses of vibrant pink flowers throughout the summer. It is a great choice for containers or for adding color to shady spots in the garden.
There are many other variegated shrubs to choose from, such as the Variegated Abelias, Variegated Jasminoides, and Variegated Hebes. Do some research and find the ones that suit your specific climate and landscaping needs.
Remember to plant your variegated shrubs in a well-draining soil and provide them with the appropriate spacing to allow for their growth. Some variegated shrubs, like the Variegated Arborvitae and Variegated Yucca, can grow up to 50 feet tall!
In conclusion, variegated shrubs are a favorite among gardeners due to their colorful foliage and unique appearance. Whether you need a low-maintenance shrub, a privacy screen, or a pop of color in the garden, there is a variegated shrub out there for you. So go ahead and add some variegation to your landscape!
Kaleidoscope Abelia
Kaleidoscope Abelia, also known as Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’, is a colorful shrub that can brighten up any landscape. With its variegated foliage and wide range of colors, it is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping projects.
One of the main attractions of Kaleidoscope Abelia is its evergreen foliage, which has a golden variegation that sometimes turns to shades of fuchsia and green. This unique appearance can add a touch of vibrancy to any garden or outdoor space.
When it comes to care and planting, Kaleidoscope Abelia is a relatively low-maintenance shrub. It can thrive in a variety of soil types and is hardy in most locations. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, though it generally prefers a spot with at least some sunlight.
Spacing for Kaleidoscope Abelia will generally depend on the desired effect and the available space. Consulting with a landscaping professional or garden center can help determine the best spacing for your particular location. Generally, a spacing of about 3 to 4 feet is recommended.
As for uses, Kaleidoscope Abelia can be used as a standalone plant, in hedges, or as part of a mixed border. It can also be planted near a pool, fence, or windows to add some color and interest. When planted in groups, it can create a stunning kaleidoscope effect with its variegated foliage.
In terms of maintenance, Kaleidoscope Abelia does not require frequent pruning. However, light pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It is also a good idea to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Kaleidoscope Abelia is also a popular choice for wildlife garden enthusiasts, as its flowers attract bees and butterflies. It can also provide cover for small animals and birds.
Some other plant varieties that can be used in conjunction with Kaleidoscope Abelia to create a colorful and interesting landscape include Euonymus japonica, variegated Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Variegata’), and evergreen wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ‘Coloratus’).
References:
– Colin, P. “Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfinderdetails.aspx?kempercode=c111
– Becky, P. “Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” Perennial Resource, www.perennialresource.com/encyclopedia/view/?plant=2298
– Jack, R. “Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” University of North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/abelia-x-grandiflora-kaleidoscope/
– Goshiki, H. “Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’.” Royal Horticultural Society Plant Finder, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/143515/Abelia-x-grandiflora-Kaleidoscope/Details
Golden Euonymus
The Golden Euonymus is a small shrub-like plant with variegated foliage that adds a touch of color to any garden. Its bright gold and green leaves make it a standout plant in any landscape. The Golden Euonymus is a popular choice for gardens as it is easy to care for and adds a pop of color.
The Golden Euonymus has a compact habit and can be planted in both sun and shade. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate frost and heat. This plant is perfect for borders or containers and works well in mixed shrub borders. The Golden Euonymus can be used as a specimen plant or as part of a group planting with other colorful shrubs like Abelia or Arborvitae.
One of the unique features of the Golden Euonymus is its variegation. The leaves are a mix of creamy yellow, silver, and green, which give this plant its striking appearance. The variegated foliage of the Golden Euonymus is evergreen, providing interest and color to the garden all year round.
The Golden Euonymus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It is drought-tolerant once established and only needs occasional watering during dry spells. Pruning is not necessary, but can be done to shape the plant or control its size. The Golden Euonymus can be fertilized in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Golden Euonymus can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. It is a perennial that can tolerate a range of conditions, including heat, cold, and different soil types. With its stunning variegation and easy care requirements, the Golden Euonymus is a favorite among gardeners.
Key Specs:
– Scientific Name: Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureovariegatus’
– Plant Type: Shrub
– Size (H x W): Up to 50 inches tall, up to 36 inches wide
– Foliage Color: Golden yellow and green
– Flower Color: Insignificant flowers
– Sun Tolerance: Full sun to partial shade
– Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
– Water Needs: Medium
– Maintenance Level: Low
References:
– Colin D. & Richard J. Holcroft, Gardening with Hardy Hebes, page 131, ISBN 0-7153-0514-8
– King, Michael A. and Pixie J. (2008). Gardening with Shrubs, page 106. ISBN 978-0-88192-891-7
– Windows to the Universe, The Garden Helper: Euonymus japonica,
– The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, page 150, ISBN 978-0-7566-6738-5
– Becky’s Kaleidoscope of Golden Euonymus (2005)
