It should be no surprise that in the last few weeks of the year I would take one more opportunity to promote the allure and value of golden foliaged plants. As we move into the dark months of the year, these beacons of light become absolutely essential in keeping our interest in the garden. This hit home for me the other day as I gazed out onto my garden through the family room window and my eyes were immediately drawn to the multiple clumps of Yucca 'Color Guard’ scattered throughout the yard. While the many shades of brown (see my previous column) still kept my attention, it was the many different forms of golden-yellow foliage that really lit me up.
I realize that becoming a fan of golden-foliaged plants isn’t something that happens overnight. I am the first to admit that it has taken me several years to gain an appreciation for plants that sport golden foliage. The typical response is “Yuk, that plant looks sick”. And while some shades of yellow foliage can indeed look sick, the plants that I have grown to love and appreciate look anything but sick. They burst with vibrancy and vitality, electrifying my garden in the spring with their fresh, clean foliage, and again in the winter, illuminating even the darkest corners of my yard on the gloomiest of days.
Golden foliage can be found in all sectors of the plant kingdom. From mosses and algae, to shrubs and trees, nature has provided us with these mutants for our enjoyment and amusement. You can find all sorts of golden-foliaged plants at the nursery throughout the entire year. In the month of December it is the broadleaf evergreens and conifers that are the most prominent. Here are a few that caught my eye this week, many of which I have incorporated into my yard…
Carex ‘Everillo’: This is an evergreen sedge with lovely bright, lime green foliage that matures to golden yellow. It does best in shade or afternoon shade and is equally at home in a container.
Fatsia ‘Camouflage’: One of my favorite forms of Fatsia, Monrovia Nurseries describes it as follows: “Each leaf of this showy shrub possesses an exquisite melding of yellow, lime and green, providing an illuminating effect in a dappled shade setting”. I have one in my entryway that gets morning sun and it is quite happy.
Rhododendron 'President Roosevelt’: Yes, even Rhodies can come in variegated forms. The “Pres” has golden splotches in the center of the leaves and as a bonus, the flowers are stunning. This variety will tend to revert, so if you see any solid green leaves be sure to prune them out immediately.
Hinoki Cypress ‘Goldilocks’: One of the many variations of Hinoki Cypress on the market, Iseli Nursery rates this one as the best of the golden varieties: “Goldilocks’ displays exceptionally bright lemon-yellow foliage, and its strong, straight central leader and sturdy trunk make it a desirable garden plant”. I have one I planted 3 years ago that is quickly becoming one of my favorite specimens in my garden.
While there may not be 50 shades of yellow, there is clearly a wide range of choices from the cooler more chartreuse colors like Lonicera ‘Baggesens Gold’, to the richer and warmer, almost orange tones of Arborvitae ‘Fire Chief’. Whatever you choose, it is sure to brighten up your garden in all the seasons, but especially in these dark days of winter when all of us could use a little more light in our lives. Go out on a “limb” and give yellow foliage a try this winter. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
