AT A GLANCE
Latin name: Zea perennis ‘Winning Streak’
Common name: Variegated corn
Flowers: Non-showy
Mature height: 2-1/2 ft.
Hardiness: Summer annual
Soil: Well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
Water usage: Low to medium
Sources: Local retail

Anyone who follows my articles knows that I have a fetish for foliage plants. They are the backdrop and the canvas against which the painted colors of our perennials and annuals are showcased. Without them, our gardens would lack for texture and interest. To me, the use of foliage plants in a garden is the mark of an artist. Quite often, new gardeners just don’t want any plant without flowers, but as they learn, look, and mature as gardeners, foliage plants begin to appear in their color bowls, then in the perennial border, and soon foliage plants become a standard in all their designs. Those of us who design gardens professionally would be crippled without foliage plants … or maybe that’s just the way I see things. Regardless, I’ve found a new foliage plant that just makes my heart beat faster!

Zea perennis ‘Winning Streak’ is a variegated relative of corn. Ribbon-candy-like foliage is striped in white and green. Unlike regular corn, this plant makes attractive clumps 2-1/2 feet tall and 2 feet across. Multiple spikes of foliage will appear from the base over the summer to form an upright vase-shaped plant. I love this plant mixed with Scaevola and zinnia ‘Zahara Yellow’ for a cool and classic look. For something really striking, try it with the dark orange flowers of zinnia ‘Profusion Fire’. The cool green-and-white-striped foliage is shiny and disease-free all summer. Grasshoppers do like the taste of it, though. I’ve found it works wonderfully in containers and en masse as a backdrop for summer annuals. I also like it spotted in my perennial border as a quick filler.

Like all members of the corn family, this plant is insanely easy to grow. It is propagated by division, so don’t go looking for seed. You’ll have to buy zea ‘Winning Streak’ in a container from your local retail nursery. It does best in full sun with rich soil. It takes Texas heat easily, but will need regular watering to maintain growth. I have not seen this plant flower in Zones 7 or 8, but those of you farther south might. This plant is one of the teosintes to which our modern corn is related, but don’t get any big ideas of having corn to eat.

This is a brand new plant found by the wizards of the weird and wonderful, Itsaul Nursery in Georgia. Due to its newness, it may be hard to find. I know that may be frustrating, but I couldn’t wait to tell you about my new favorite foliage plant!

About the author: Jimmy Turner is the senior director of gardens at the Dallas Arboretum. Visit http://www.dallasplanttrials.org/ for more information on his trials.