Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Variegation, 0 by Weerobin

Weerobin wrote:
I have Golden Shadows also (#1). I think it looks nice with vigorous, non-stunted growth. Blooms nicely also. A cousin (#2) is c. alternifolia Gold Bullion which has fluorescent gold growth in the spring. It's a solid gold leaf, not really variegated. But it sure stands out the the fairly shady understory. I have seen pictures of mature c controversa variegata and I love it, but it's absolutely fussy/wimpy or both; I've tried to grow it several times and haven't even come close to getting one to survive. I understand a couple newer cultivars c. controversa Janine & June Snow are supposed to be less fussy, but I haven't tried either one. I also haven't done well with variegated kousa's, but only tried one or two about 10 yrs ago. Basically got shaded/mildewed out & died.

Edited to add that I didn't notice in the background of the first picture is a creeping picea orientalis w/ golden new growth - one of my favorites for bright spring foliage - I guess it's not really variegation. I got it from Coenosium Gardens nursery from Bob Fincham. He hadn't named the cultivar at the time, but it has done really well for me. I wonder if they ever named it?

This message was edited Jun 21, 2014 9:22 AM