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Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Variegatus'

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Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Variegatus') at Green Thumb Nursery

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus foliage

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Variegatus') at Green Thumb Nursery

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5b

Description:

Small glossy dark-green foliage features creamy white margins with some golden highlights; seaside salt tolerance; a great low hedge plant with dense branches that tolerate shearing for a formal appearance, or leave to its natural shape

Ornamental Features

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus has attractive dark green foliage edged in creamy white with hints of gold on a plant with a mounded habit of growth. The small glossy oval leaves are highly ornamental and remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Insects

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Topiary
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Variegated Boxleaf Japanese Euonymus makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Topiary  Container 
Applications
Foliage Color  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features