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Variegated boxwood

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

Variegated boxwood

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

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Variegated boxwood

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

Variegated boxwoodVariegated boxwoodVariegated boxwood

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.

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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.

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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.

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Variegated boxwood and Their Similar Plants

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Common boxwood vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
Common boxwood is a perennial plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. The plant's specific epithet sempervirens stands for "always green." The plant produces non-showy, creamy yellow flowers that are fragrant. The bark and leaves of the plant were once used to manufacture perfumes and extracts.
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Japanese box vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
Japanese box (Buxus microphylla) is a dwarf evergreen shrub native to Japan and China. This species is also called the Japanese box. Japanese box is often planted in ornamental hedging. One cultivar of this species is often grown as a bonsai tree. In Japan, japanese box wood is used to make a hanko, or printing stamp seal.
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Chinese box vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
Chinese box (Buxus sinica) is, unsurprisingly given its name, native to China. It is a useful ornamental shrub that has a dense growth suitable for hedging and screen plantings. The name *sinica* is Latin for China. The *box* part of the name may reflect the plant's historic use as wood for making boxes.
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Common box 'Suffruticosa' vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
Common box 'Suffruticosa' (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa') is a compact and slow-growing cultivar of common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and is considered a dwarf variety. This plant has soft, glossy leaves that can withstand most environmental conditions in gardens, beds, and containers, but needs extra care during the winter months. 'Suffruticosa' comes from an Italian word referencing the woody base and shrubby upper branches.
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Japanese boxwood vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
The japanese boxwood is native to Japan and known to attract bees. Caution though, because japanese boxwood can be toxic to both humans and animals. It is popularly used in English and cottage gardens for edging and formal hedges.
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Common boxwood 'Elegantissima' vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
Common boxwood 'Elegantissima' is a Common boxwood cultivar bred to have more adorning leaves than the classic Common box. Unlike the parent plant that features solid green leaves, the breeding resulted in a cultivar with green leaves variegated with creamy-yellow margins on their edges.
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Harland boxwood vs. Variegated boxwood: What's The Difference?
The greenish-yellow flowers of harland boxwood attract pollinators. It can be used as hedges, borders, or foundations. This plant is also a great candidate for bonsai. The common name "boxwood" pertains to the wood used to create ornamental boxes.
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Key Facts About Variegated boxwood

Attributes of Variegated boxwood
Plant Type
Shrub
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Variegated boxwood

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