How to identify Variegated boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Aureovariegata')

How to identify Variegated boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Aureovariegata')

Variegated boxwood is a perennial, evergreen shrub with a prominent visual appeal, primarily due to its distinctive foliage. The shrub features oval to elliptic leaves that are bright green with creamy golden-yellow margins that can catch the eye from a distance. Measuring the leaves, one would find them to be approximately 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) long. The branches reveal a grayish-brown bark, adding to the textured appearance, and upon closer inspection, one would notice the stems are uniquely square with distinct corners. A peculiar trait can be observed by examining the underside of the leaves, where a cottony midrib is present, a detail that can assist in identification.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Variegated boxwood

Oval to elliptic leaves with bright green color and creamy golden-yellow margins.

Branches with grayish-brown bark, stems uniquely square with cottony midrib underside on leaves.

Non-showy greenish-yellow flowers, 1/8 inch (3 mm) diameter, clustered in rounded inflorescences.

Dehiscent capsules maturing to rich brown with three horns, splitting open at maturity. Capsule diameter: 0.2 inches (5 mm).

Deep blue-green upper leaf surface, yellowish lower surface, pinnate vein pattern, glossy leathery texture.

Detailed Traits of Variegated boxwood

Leaf Features

The leaves of variegated boxwood are deep blue-green on the upper surface and yellowish on the lower surface. They are small, oval to elliptical, typically measuring around 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) in length. The texture is leathery with a glossy finish. The vein pattern is pinnate, with a central midrib and secondary veins extending outward. The margins are smooth, and the leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems, adding to their variegated appearance.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Variegated boxwood produces non-showy, small, greenish-yellow flowers. These blossoms are typically inconspicuous and lack prominent petals, measuring around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter. The flowers are clustered in tight, rounded inflorescences that appear at the leaf axils. Each flower exhibits simple structures with no significant fragrance. Blooming occurs in late spring to early summer, adding subtle interest rather than vivid color to the plant.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of variegated boxwood is a dehiscent capsule that exhibits a maturation process culminating in a rich brown hue. Initially green, these capsules are small, dry, and typically present with three horns. Upon reaching maturity, the capsules split open along these horns to release the seeds. The textural contrast from a smooth immature state to a more rugged and woody mature state is noteworthy. Each capsule measures approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, a detail essential for proper identification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.