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
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Eastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Salt
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Yellow, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Yellow, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Corky
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No