V - Gardeners' glossary A-Z - gardenersworld.com

Variegated

Refers to foliage having patches of different colours, usually as a result of the chlorophyll content. Common combinations are green with cream, white or silver, although some plants produce foliage that mix green with reds and yellows.

Variety

A group of plants sharing distinctive features, but not sufficiently distinct to be classed as a species. The words 'cultivated variety' have been compounded to provide the term cultivar, which refers to plants having a cultivated origin, while naturally occuring plants are denoted by the term variety.

Vegetable

A plant with herbaceous parts that are edible. These are commonly the leaves and stem.

Vegetative

Those parts of a plant that are not involved in sexual reproduction, such as the leaves, stems and roots.

Velutinous

To be velvety, having a velvet-like covering.

Venation

The veining or pattern of veins in a leaf or petal.

Ventilation

The circulation of fresh air in an enclosed environment.

Vermiculite

See Compost.

Vernalisation

A process by which germination is speeded up. It generally involves treatment at low temperatures before planting.

Verrucose

Warty, being covered in wart-like growths.