The leaf or needle coloration on some plants takes on an entirely different hue as cold weather approaches. Junipers and heathers are noted for this, but as I mentioned last week, it happens to certain Euphorbia , too. Leaf coloration in some plants is more pronounced in spring, fading as the season progresses. The color leaves change in the fall is a valid addition to our palettes, but it, too, is fleeting like the flowers. In addition to our basic leaf color palette, plants provide us with built-in color contrast when they have variegated leaves.
Some variegations are bold, whether abstract or quite regularly patterned.
When bold color is combined with a large leaf, the plant creates a definite presence in the garden. Some people dislike all leaf variegation intensely. I love it. Nothing brightens a dark corner like a variegated leaf. Yes, you do have to use them judiciously.