Variegated shrubs bring a burst of color and pattern to outdoor spaces, featuring leaves that mix green with shades like white, yellow, or pink. These plants turn simple yards into lively displays, their foliage offering stripes, spots, or edges that contrast beautifully with surrounding greenery. Whether evergreen or deciduous, they provide seasonal or year-round appeal.
Their growth habits range from low, spreading forms to tall, upright shapes, fitting everything from borders to privacy screens. The variegation often intensifies in specific light—usually bright but filtered—enhancing their visual punch in sunny or partly shaded spots. Some even offer flowers or berries.
Care for these shrubs can vary, with many needing well-drained soil and consistent moisture to keep their colors vibrant. Their reduced chlorophyll in variegated areas means they might grow slower or need protection from harsh sun to avoid fading. Hardy or tender, they adapt to different climates, offering options for coastal, arid, or woodland settings with the right selection.
In landscaping, they shine as focal points, hedges, or groundcovers, blending with other plants or standing alone for dramatic effect. Their diversity in size and style suits formal gardens, casual layouts, or modern minimalist designs. They also spark interest with their natural artistry, inviting a closer look at nature’s knack for bold contrasts.
Variegated Shrubs
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ (Spotted Laurel)
Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves speckled with yellow, perfect for brightening shady borders. Growing 6-10 feet tall, it’s ideal for hedges or foundation plantings in partial shade with well-drained soil. Its dense, rounded shape adds structure, while the variegation offers a lively contrast year-round. Small purple flowers may appear in spring, followed by red berries if pollinated, enhancing its appeal.
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ features small, oval leaves with golden-yellow edges framing a green center, forming a low, spreading evergreen shrub. Reaching 1-2 feet tall, it’s excellent for rock gardens, slopes, or edging, thriving in sun to partial shade. The variegation can turn pinkish in winter, adding seasonal flair. Its versatility and low upkeep make it a landscaping go-to.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Variegata’
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Variegata’ is a deciduous shrub with broad, green leaves edged in creamy white, complemented by its signature mophead blooms. Growing 3-6 feet tall, it’s perfect for mixed borders or as a focal point in part shade. The variegation softens its lush form, and flowers in pink, blue, or white add summer drama. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil, offering dynamic texture.
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ (Variegated Holly)
Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata’ boasts glossy, spiny leaves with silvery-white margins against dark green, forming an upright evergreen shrub. Reaching 10-15 feet, it’s suited for privacy screens or specimen planting in full sun to part shade. Red berries in winter (with a pollinator) enhance its variegated foliage. The bold contrast makes it a striking landscape feature.
Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’
Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’ offers arching branches with elongated leaves splashed with green, cream, and pinkish hues, creating a semi-evergreen mound. Growing 3-5 feet tall, it’s ideal for woodland gardens or shady slopes with acidic soil. The variegation shifts subtly through seasons, paired with small white spring flowers. Its graceful form adds elegance to understated designs.
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’
Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Goshiki’ is an evergreen shrub with spiny, holly-like leaves blending green, yellow, and cream, often with pinkish new growth. Reaching 4-6 feet, it’s great for hedges or containers in sun to part shade. Fragrant white flowers in fall complement its vibrant variegation. Its compact, textured look brings year-round interest to small spaces.
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’
Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Variegatum’ features small, gray-green leaves with creamy margins, forming a dense, mounded evergreen up to 8-12 feet tall. It excels as a hedge or mass planting in full sun, tolerating coastal conditions. Tiny, fragrant dark flowers bloom in spring, but the variegation remains the focus. Its tidy growth suits both formal and casual landscapes.
Viburnum tinus ‘Variegatum’
Viburnum tinus ‘Variegatum’ is an evergreen with medium-green leaves broadly edged in creamy yellow, growing 6-10 feet tall. Ideal for shrub borders or standalone accents in sun to part shade, it produces pinkish-white flowers in late winter to spring. The bright variegation adds cheer year-round, thriving in well-drained soil. It’s a reliable, low-fuss choice for structure.
Weigela florida ‘Variegata’
Weigela florida ‘Variegata’ showcases green leaves with creamy-yellow edges on a deciduous, arching shrub reaching 4-6 feet. Perfect for sunny borders or informal hedges, it blooms with pink tubular flowers in late spring. The variegation glows in bright light, softening its loose form. Its easy care and seasonal color make it a landscaping gem.
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ (Variegated Dogwood)
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ features green leaves with white margins and red stems, a deciduous shrub growing 6-8 feet tall. Ideal for mass plantings or winter interest in full sun to part shade, its variegation pairs with vivid stems after leaf drop. Small white flowers appear in spring, but the foliage steals the show. It’s a bold, dynamic addition.
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’
Abelia x grandiflora ‘Kaleidoscope’ offers glossy leaves with green centers, yellow edges, and red tints in fall, forming a compact evergreen to 2-3 feet. Suited for containers or low hedges in full sun, it blooms with white flowers summer to fall. The vivid variegation shifts seasonally, adding flair. Its small size fits tight spaces beautifully.
Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’ Variegated
Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’ Variegated is a coniferous shrub with blue-green needles tipped with creamy white, growing 4-6 feet tall in a conical shape. Perfect for small gardens or foundations in full sun, its variegation peaks in late summer. Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it thrives in well-drained soil. Its unique texture elevates any design.
Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’
Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’ is a deciduous shrub with small, green leaves edged in golden-yellow, transitioning to bronze in fall. Growing 2-3 feet tall, it’s perfect for low hedges or mass plantings in full sun, where its variegation shines brightest. Bright pink flower clusters bloom in summer, complementing the foliage. Its compact size and easy care make it a versatile landscaping choice.
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’
Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ features leathery, dark green leaves with creamy-yellow margins, forming an evergreen mound 3-4 feet tall. Ideal for shady borders or near entryways, it thrives in well-drained soil and rewards with intensely fragrant pink flowers in late winter. The subtle variegation adds year-round elegance, though it requires protection from harsh sun. Its scent and beauty elevate small spaces.
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’
Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart’s Gold’ offers lobed, green leaves with bold yellow variegation, a deciduous shrub reaching 5-6 feet. Suited for sunny hedges or as a focal point, it produces white flower clusters in spring, followed by reddish fruit. The variegation contrasts with its peeling bark, adding multi-season appeal. It’s hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in various soils.
Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Boxwood)
Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’ is an evergreen with small, rounded leaves blending green with creamy white, growing 4-6 feet tall. Perfect for formal hedges or topiary in sun to part shade, its dense growth and variegation create a refined look. Slow-growing and easy to shape, it holds its color year-round. This classic shrub suits structured landscapes beautifully.
Sambucus nigra ‘Marginata’ (Variegated Elderberry)
Sambucus nigra ‘Marginata’ showcases serrated, green leaves with creamy edges, a deciduous shrub reaching 6-8 feet. Ideal for informal borders or wildlife gardens in full sun, it blooms with white flower heads in summer, followed by dark berries. The variegation softens its bold form, attracting birds and pollinators. Its vigorous growth adds a wild charm to designs.
Pieris japonica ‘Variegata’
Pieris japonica ‘Variegata’ features narrow, evergreen leaves with white margins against a green base, growing 5-7 feet tall. Thriving in acidic, shady soil, it’s great for woodland gardens or as an understory shrub, with drooping white flowers in spring. The variegation pairs with reddish new growth for extra flair. It’s a sophisticated choice for cool, moist spots.
Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’
Rhododendron ‘President Roosevelt’ is an evergreen with broad, green leaves splashed with golden-yellow, reaching 5-6 feet. Suited for shady borders or specimen planting, it blooms with vibrant red flowers in spring, contrasting its variegation. It prefers acidic, well-drained soil and protection from harsh sun. This striking shrub adds bold color to landscapes.
Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ (Dappled Willow)
Salix integra ‘Hakuro Nishiki’ offers slender, green leaves mottled with white and pink, a deciduous shrub growing 4-6 feet tall. Ideal for wet soils or as a sunny accent, its variegation glows on arching branches, with new growth often vivid pink. Pruning enhances its form and color, making it a dynamic focal point. Its delicate look suits modern or cottage gardens.
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Variegated
Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’ Variegated has glossy, green leaves with creamy edges, an evergreen reaching 3-4 feet. Perfect for shady containers or low borders, it features red buds in winter opening to white flowers in spring. The variegation complements its compact form, thriving in acidic soil. It’s a subtle yet charming addition to year-round designs.
Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’
Berberis thunbergii ‘Rose Glow’ is a deciduous shrub with green leaves splashed with pink and white, maturing to purple, growing 3-5 feet tall. Great for sunny hedges or barriers (thanks to its thorns), it offers small yellow flowers in spring. The variegation intensifies in full light, adding vibrant texture. Its toughness suits rugged landscapes.
Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’
Fatsia japonica ‘Variegata’ boasts large, lobed leaves with creamy white tips on a green base, an evergreen reaching 6-8 feet. Ideal for shaded patios or tropical-style gardens, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil. White flower clusters in fall add interest, but the bold variegation is the star. It brings lush drama to cool, shadowy corners.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ Variegated
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’ Variegated is a dwarf conifer with soft, green foliage tipped with creamy yellow, growing 3-5 feet tall. Perfect for rock gardens or small foundations in full sun, its variegation enhances its dense, sculpted form. Slow-growing and low-maintenance, it excels in well-drained soil. Its refined texture lifts understated designs.