variegation

[ vair-ee-i-gey-shuhn, vair-i-gey- ]

noun

1. an act of variegating.
2. the state or condition of being variegated; variegated; varied coloration.

Word History and Origins

Origin of variegation¹

First recorded in 1640–50; variegate + -ion

Example Sentences

Speaking of combining colors, I’ve heard lots of talk lately about how we should avoid using yellow variegated plants in the same beds, or even in the same garden, with plants of white variegation.

From Seattle Times

These are bushy plants that display a range of leaf colors, some with dramatic variegation.

From Seattle Times

The in-vogue plants right now include the Philodendrons, Hoyas, Anthuriums, Scindapsus — especially silver varieties like ‘Platinum’ — and plants with white variegation or velvety leaves.

From Seattle Times

You can find leaf variegation in hardy lilies, but this decorative aspect is unsurpassed in some tropical lilies.

From Washington Post

Look closely for hidden colors in plant stems and foliage variegation.

From Seattle Times