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Buxus sempervirens 'Aureovariegata'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BUK-sus sem-per-VEE-renz
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

'Aureovariegata' variegated boxwood is a woody, broadleaf, evergreen, perennial shrub cultivar in the Buxaceae (Boxwood) family. Buxus is the Latin name for boxwood or box tree. The common name of boxwood refers to the wood used to make carved decorative boxes.

'Aureovariegata' has showy dark green leaves with margins that start out white turning cream and then yellow throughout the growing season.  The leaves really make this shrub stand out in the landscape especially in shadier corners.  A mounding habit, dense and rounded, with a slow growth rate and dimensions of 8 to 10 feet high and wide, make this cultivar ideal for shaping into a formal hedge or topiary.  It will grow best in sandy to clay, neutral to acidic soils, with good drainage, and in a site that receives full sun or partial shade.

Protect from winds and full winter sun by placing in a location where these conditions are limited. Winter winds can cause dehydration and bronzing. Morning sun is best. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. It is moderately drought tolerant once established. Propagate variegated boxwood by seed or stem cuttings.

Boxwoods, in general, are tolerant of pruning, however, pruning should be done after the last frost as it will lead to tender new shoots. Its shallow roots should be protected with a layer of mulch. Limit cultivation around these shallow roots because it can damage the plant. 

Landscaping options include containers, lawn or meadows, walkways, slopes, and naturalized areas. Boxwoods do well in cottage, English, winter, and drought-tolerant gardens. They can be used as a foundation planting or mass planting.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Leaves oval to elliptic bright green with creamy golden-yellow margins.
  • Bark is grayish brown.
  • Stems are square with distinct corners.
  • On the underside of the leaf, the midrib is cottony.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Boxwood mites, boxwood leafminers, leaf scorch. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common boxwood insect pests and diseases.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Buxus sempervirens.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#small spaces#winter interest#cottage garden#mass planting#topiary#deer resistant#foundation planting#formal garden#variegated#English garden#courtyard garden#small group plantings#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#perennial#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#small spaces#winter interest#cottage garden#mass planting#topiary#deer resistant#foundation planting#formal garden#variegated#English garden#courtyard garden#small group plantings#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#perennial#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Buxus
    Species:
    sempervirens
    Family:
    Buxaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Mounding
    Oval
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Dehiscent capsule, matures to brown
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Obovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Deep blue-green foliage on top, yellowish on bottom
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    English Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea; Horses: colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, seizures
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No