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EUONYMUS japonicus 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus'

Image of Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus'

Family

Celastraceae

Botanical Name

EUONYMUS japonicus 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus'

Plant Common Name

Japanese Euonymus, Variegated Littleleaf Japanese Spindletree

General Description

Popular in gardens since Victorian times, Japanese spindletree is a dense, oval to pyramidal, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Asia. Resembling variegated common boxwood in its small, yellow-rimmed, deep-green leaves and its dwarf upright habit, the cultivar 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus' looks great year-round. Insignificant yellow vinegar-scented flowers appear in late spring and early summer. Like most Japanese spindletree cultivars, 'Microphyllus Aureovariegatus' rarely if ever fruits.

This relatively cold-tender shrub tolerates a wide range of growing environments including clay and acid soils, full sun to full shade, and salt spray. Dry shady conditions promote mildew. It is amenable to heavy pruning and works well as an edging or dwarf hedge. It is also ideal for for coastal plantings or as a specimen or accent. Use it in containers in areas with severe winters.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Eastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Bark Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Corky

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No