A variegated plant usually describes a plant that displays lighter and darker colors in the leaves. The leaf may have streaks of light and dark green on each leaf or the edge of the leaf may be a different shade of green than the inner part of the leaf. The variegation is produced by a genetic mutation in which some leaf cells lack the ability to produce chlorophyll. The parts of the plant that do not produce chlorophyll will be lighter in color or even white.

Variegated plants can add a unique focal point when included in the garden. Imagine an area filled with a dark green grass and surrounded by a variegate grass with the lighter colored leaves. The appearance can be quite striking. There are several plant to choose from for variegation in the plant families. To mention a few: Sedum 'Frosty Morn', Variegated Weigela, Tricolor Sweet Potato Vine, and the Variegated Hostas.