Variegated Trees and Shrubs

The Illustrated Encyclopedia

Once the subject of snobbery and derision, variegated plants are now among the more sought-after and collected treasures of garden connoisseurs. Whether marbled, dotted, splashed, or veined, variegated foliage never fails to catch the eye and to add excitement whatever the flowering season. Variegated Trees and Shrubs (which includes woody ground covers and vines as well) fills an important gap in the literature and provides valuable information on selections that provide long-lasting specimen and accent plantings for years of garden pleasure. Written under the sponsorship of the Netherlands' prestigious Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society, this book describes in detail nearly 800 variegated trees, shrubs, and vines available internationally from nurseries. Painstaking in the accuracy of its nomenclature — variegated plants are notorious for being misnamed in commerce — this volume also includes a scientific discussion of the reasons for variegation as well as an essay on how to design with variegated plants in any garden. More than 760 garden photographs have been assembled from the author's collection and from contributors around the world.

Media reviews of this book:

"Sure to tempt even the most diehard of gardeners."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, September 8, 2004

"I practically guarantee that you'll be blissfully overwhelmed by the striking beauty and number of varigated plants — from deciduous to evergreen and groundcovers to towering conifers. Up it goes onto my reference shelf."

—Susan Crittenden, Dig: The Magazine for Northwest Gardeners, May 2005

"Recommended for public libraries, for academic libraries collecting in the areas of botany or related fields, and for individual gardening enthusiasts."

—Courtney Greene, E-Streams, May 2005

"This is a well-written book worthy of placement in any lbrary."

—James H. Flynn Jr., American Reference Books Annual, 2005

"More than 760 color photographs complete this striking book."

—Michigan Gardener, April 2005

Read more media reviews

Customer reviews of this book:

"Beneficial information on designing a garden with variegated plants. The color photographs are stunning."

—Rose Ann C. from Jacksonville, Florida, August 12, 2006

"I'm a garden designer and it's so helpful to have this information collected in one resource. Photos are top quality. Thanks!"

—Connie S. from Hudson Falls, New York, January 10, 2004

An excerpt from this book:

When designing a garden the first question should be, "What do we expect from our garden?" After drawing the plan and laying the hardscaping, the following stage is the planting of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Too often the use of variegated plants is overlooked. As a devotee and collector of variegated plants, I think this is a pity. Golden and silver variegated plants offer so much to enjoy, for the devoted amateur in particular. There are many beautiful variegated trees, some not too vigorous in growth. Many colorful shrubs, conifers, and dwarf subjects give a wealth of color, which can cheer up a garden when added to the various green tints ...

Read the whole excerpt