Variegated Foliage

The term "variegated" is applied to a flower or, more often, a leaf that is two-toned. I.e., foliage that is blotched, striped or bordered with a lighter color than that on the rest of it (or vice versa) is said to be variegated foliage.

The term is also applied more broadly to a whole plant that bears such two-toned leaves or blossoms. The corresponding noun is "variegation."

Plants bearing leaves of this sort can become quite popular in landscaping, partly because the display value afforded by their attractive leaves is usually more persistent than the color provided by flowers. View my pictures of plants with variegated leaves for examples.