Abstract

FINCHAM, R.L. 1984. Variegated trees and shrubs. Am. Nurseryman 159(9): 38-43.

When discussing variegation, nurserymen do not think of blue but of different shades of gold and white. Plants with golden variegation have reduced amounts of chlorophyll in their variegated portions. Some plants are even completely gold. The presence of chlorophyll can easily be detected by placing one of these golden plants in heavy shade. It will turn green. White variegations are due to an absence of all pigmentation — no chlorophyll is present. Any completely white plant cannot survive. Many white-tipped forms show their variegation only in their summer flushes. Variegation may be due to a variety of factors, evidently, heredity plays a major role. Genetic aberrations are probably the origins of variegated seedlings that can pass the variegation trait to their decendants. Some plants originate as sports on otherwise normal plants. Such variegations are probably not genetic in origin. Insect or lightning damage or viral attacks may cause a sport. Propagations from branch mutations may retain the parents’ characteristics and would be most likely to revert.

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