Base or primary leaf color is defined as the color that occupies at least 60% of the surface area of the plant. Secondary colors, usually involved with variegation, are those colors that occupy 40% or less of the surface area.

Variegation occurs on a plant when chlorophyll is either in a very low level or is missing entirely in a part of the plant tissue. When this occurs, the tissue will reflect either the yellow underlying color or the complete absence of pigment resulting in white color.

This color difference may appear in three locations on the leaf including:

1. Marginal Variegation

2. Medial Variegation

3. Streaked Variegation

Depending on the relative amounts or lack of chlorophyll or carotene (yellow) or other pigments, the color of the variegations according to the American Hosta Society would include:

Greenish White Creamy White Pure White Green Speckling

White Speckling Streaked with colors 1-5 Mottled with colors 1-5

1. Marginal Variegation - This type of variegation is, perhaps, the most common form found in hostas. There are hundreds of cultivars that have this pattern. Colors of variegation range from white to various shades of yellow or "cream" tints. As usual, areas of variegation have less chlorophyll than other parts and, thus grow slower and have a thinner substance. The thin substance tends to make that part of the leaf more attractive to slugs.

2. Medial Variegation - The second most common type of variegation in hostas, this results from the lack of chlorophyll along the center vein of the leaf. Colors of variegation range from white to various shades of yellow or "cream" tints. As usual, areas of variegation have less chlorophyll than other parts and, thus grow slower and have a thinner substance. The thin substance tends to make that part of the leaf more attractive to slugs.

3. Streaked Variegation - The least common type of hosta variegation is the streaked or mottled pattern. It is often "unstable" meaning that divisions or the whole plant may revert to the original, plain color type. A few cultivars such as H. 'Spilt Milk' or H. 'Sea Prize' have the reputation of staying stable over long periods.

Streaked hostas are highly prized by hybridizers. If you cross a marginally variegated hosta with a medially variegated one, the resulting seedlings will all be plain old green. However, if the mother plant is streaked, variegated seedlings will be produced.