Two Tone Conifers: Learn About Variegation In Conifers, What Are Characteristics Of Conifers And How Can You Tell The Difference Between Conifers?

Conifers’ fascinating evergreen foliage in various shades of green gives a landscape focus and texture. Many homeowners are considering conifers with variegated leaves for added visual interest.

Continue reading if you are drawn to two-tone conifers. We’ll tell you about some of the most stylish variegated conifer types, trees that will be the center of attention in the yard.

Variability Among Conifers

Many conifers have needles that become darker with age or have lighter green underneath and darker green above. But these aren’t the two-tone conifers we’re thinking of.

When conifers exhibit true variegation, the needles on the trees have two different colors. Occasionally, whole twigs of needles on conifers with variegated leaves can have one color, while the needles on other twigs have a completely different color.

Green needles speckled with a contrasting hue can be found on other two-tone conifers.

Conifer Varieties with Variegation

• The variegated Hollywood juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa Variegata’) is a prime example of two-tone conifers. It’s a little tree with an unusual shape that makes a big impression. The tree is erect, with mostly dark green needles; however, there are some pale yellow splotches on the foliage. While some twigs are completely yellow, others have a yellow and green mixture.
• Pinus parviflora ‘Ogon Janome,’ a Japanese white pine, is another eye-catching species due to its butter yellow variegation on green needles. The yellow banding around each and every needle produces a very eye-catching effect.
• Look at Albospica (Tsuga canadensis ‘Albospica’) if you prefer conifers with variegated leaves in contrasting shades other than yellow. This conifer has needles that grow mostly white with very slight green undertones. New foliage keeps emerging in pure white as the older foliage darkens into forest green. An amazing demonstration.
• The dwarf spruce Silver Seedling (Picea orientalis ‘Silver Seedling’) is another worth a try. To appreciate the contrast between the ivory branch tips and the rich green interior foliage, grow this small variation in a shaded spot.
• The Sawara false cypress Silver Lode (Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Silver Lode’) is a mounding variegated conifer. This low-growing shrub has striking feathery green foliage with silver highlights scattered throughout.