10 AGM variegated evergreen shrubs

10 AGM variegated evergreen shrubs

Words: Graham Rice

For dependable winter colour, whatever the weather, AGM variegated evergreen shrubs provide an intriguing range of colours and patterns when we need garden interest the most. Of course they also provide shelter for winter flowers like hellebores and branches of many can be cut for the house to provide a colourful backbone for seasonal arrangements.

Aucuba japonica 'Golden King'
The aucuba’s broad glossy foliage with its bright peppering of golden speckles may be familiar to many gardeners, and in the past familiarity has bred more than the occasional sneer. But for reliable colour in a wide range of garden conditions, even dry shade, these variegated aucubas cannot be beaten. ‘Golden King’ has many of its spots fused into zones of bold yellow colouring. 2.4m/8ft.
 

Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’
Variegated forms of box have an unexpectedly wide range of uses in the garden. ‘Elegantissima’, while its individual white-edged leaves are often slightly misshapen, has slightly smaller and narrower foliage then many giving it a more delicate look. Grow it as a low or medium hedge, as a clipped or more informal specimen, or in containers. Only if clipped hard and frequently might it revert to plain green. 1.8m/6ft.

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'
A neat evergreen which combines all year yellow-edged leaves, reddish purple buds opening to white winter flowers and an intoxicating fragrance has to be a star. Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' also makes a compact, spreading plant, ideal for the corner of a path to the front door. Its variegation is narrow which, while lessening the drama ensures that the plant retains its vigour. 1.2m/4ft.
 

Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald Surprise'
Variegated forms of E. fortunei are among the most popular evergreens for small gardens; three have received the AGM. They’re tough, attractive year-round, sprigs can be cut for winter arrangements, and they rarely outgrow their space. Some are spreading in habit, ‘Emerald Surprise’ is more upright and has a more noticeable presence. It also features slightly larger, more rounded leaves edged in bright gold. 60cm/2ft.

Euonymus japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus'
Slightly softer in colour than E. fortunei ‘Emerald Surprise’, and more subtle but also significantly larger in every way, E. japonicus 'Ovatus Aureus' is dense and bushy, if rather slow growing, and the marginal variegation fades from a bright yellow to a creamier green as the leaves age. Colouring best in full sun, this is also tolerant of salt spray so a good seaside plant. 1.2m/4ft

Fatsia japonica 'Variegata'
This imposing shrub has a relatively subtle variegation, its large boldly fingered leaves up to 38cm/15in across are marked rather unpredictably in pale cream around the base or around the leaf edges. This simply adds a little style to an already valuable plant. Making a well furnished specimen with a tropical air, fluffy white heads of flowers appear in autumn followed by black berries. 1.8m/6ft, taller in warm gardens or cosy situations.

Griselinia littoralis 'Variegata'
The classic seaside hedging plant – its tolerance of salt spray is well known - its broad, clear apple green leaves are brightly though rather variably edged in white and often show greyish patches towards the centre The colouring of the young leaves is noticeably more yellow. Making a dense bush, which responds well to clipping or pruning, it may be damaged in hard winters but usually recovers well. 1.8m/6ft

Hebe 'Silver Queen'
Known under a range of wrong names, the value of this striking variegated hebe remains. With foliage in dark green, yellow and cream plus some greyish tones towards the centre, in summer and autumn the display is augmented by fluffy spikes of reddish-purple flowers. ‘Silver Queen’ appreciates well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered place. This plant dates back 100 years so has proved itself convincingly. 60-90cm/2-3ft
 

Ilex x altaclerensis 'Golden King'
A classic naming oddity, in spite of being called ‘Golden King’ this is one of the most widely grown fruiting hollies – and the fruits are only carried on female plants. A nearby male plant, like the variegated I. aquifolium ‘Golden Queen’ (!), is needed to ensure that berries are produced. The glossy green foliage features a consistent but irregular gold to cream edge and is almost entirely spine-free. 1.8m/6ft
 

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Irene Paterson’
Now seen widely across the country, P. tenuifolium is a strong-growing, small leaved evergreen with a number of attractive forms. ‘Irene Paterson’ is less vigorous than most (some can reach 10m/30ft) with creamy white young shoots, which become speckled in green then mature to dark green and develop pinkish tints in winter. It responds well to pruning and, when cut, lasts an unusually long time in water. 2.5m/8ft