Texas Native Variegated Vines

What Is Variegated?

• Variegated plants are species that contain variations in color patterns across the leaves or stems. These patterns often follow the network of vessels in the leaves but can form in a variety of ways. Some variegation exists as an outline of the leaf or plant feature, as obvious blotches of color on the leaves or stems or subtle strands of varied hues. The poinsettia is a popular example of how a variegated leaf can express multiple colors and designs.

Hedera Helix L. -- English Ivy

• English ivy is a woody variegated vine capable of reaching heights of over 90 feet with its aerial root systems that attach easily to tall trees. English ivy has dark green leaves with feathery white veins, making it a subtle variegate for ornamental purposes. Its fondness for shade creates unique potential as a clinging accent for poorly-lit areas. Its durability across many climates makes it easy to grow; but because of its ability to carry diseases to oaks and other native trees, many gardeners consider it a pest plant. By the strictest measure, this is an invasive species; but because of its natural distribution in several counties, it is listed in many sites as a Texas ground cover.

Trachelospermum Asiaticum -- Texas Longleaf

• The Texas longleaf is a low, sprawling vine that reaches lengths of approximately 20 feet and reaches about 1 to 2 feet in height. It attaches easily to trees, porches, fences, trellises and walls, with enough density to provide shade and effective ground cover, making it an ideal decorative vine for many gardening applications. While you can find the plant with evergreen or green leaves, the variegated variety has dark green foliage with flecks of pale yellow or white.

Vitis Mustangensis -- Mustang Grape

• The Mustang grape is one of 14 different grapevines native to Texas. While the fruit has thick purple skin and a less than pleasant flavor, the vines make a rugged addition to ornamental gardens. The vines establish sturdy connections on fences to a height of about 4 feet, with green foliage with white variegation along the stem and interior of the leaves. This vine grows quickly, with considerably less need for water than other choices but only provides intermittent cover, making it a less than optimal choice to provide shade.