KOCHI: Variegation can be broadly described as the discoloured patches which develop on the leaves of plants.
Variegation shows the absence or lower density of chlorophyll in the area. The phenomenon is made use of in fancy landscaping. Variegated plants do not go well with conventional landscaping plants. But they are extensively used among indoor and outdoor ornamentals, where they have been saved as horticultural oddities.
Acalypha, croton, dracaena etc. are shrubs which are used widely with variegation. All these plants prefer sunlight and thrive better in groups than in isolation (except dracaena which thrives both in isolation and in groups and the stem of which is highly attractive with its fancy branching). Different varieties of crotons can be grown next to each other as they are found in catchy colours like red, orange, light green, yellow and white. Acalypha is good as a border plant which can be maintained at a height of three feet to make hedges.
Ophiopogon has variegated ribbonlike grass which forms a low standing border. The initial planting must be done at a distance of 20 cm between plants. If you need more thickness, they can be planted zigzag.
Once they grow, (in around six months’ time) they form a single group and look very good, especially as a border for lawn grass. They do not block the view of the lawn either.
Alternanthera is another short-life plant with variegations in red, yellow and white leaves. The colour variation however depends on climatic and soil conditions so you might find different features in different places and climates.
Cersa, duranta, hibiscus, nerium are a few plants which have almost the same features wherever they grow, but sunlight plays a major role in deciding the colour intensity. Supplying essential micro and macronutrients and nurturing them are the best methods to make the variegation attractive. Washing the leaves in fresh water once a week will enhance the beauty of the plant as the colours are more prominent when the dust is removed.
subramanianm@epmltd.com