Euonymus japonicus 'MICROPHYLLUS AUREOVARIEGATUS' boxleaf euonymus, dwarf japanese spindle
size/type
small shrub,small shrub
usual height
0,3-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,8m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
insignificant or non-blooming
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty) to neutral
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Japanese spindles are evergreen shrubs, or small trees with grafted crowns on short stems. They are very popular in southern countries and where winters are mild. The species has green leaves, but most attractive are varieties with varigated foliage.
Description of the plant:
Microphyllus Aureovariegatus is a Japanese spindle variety with small, golden-yellow variegated leaves. They are elliptic and small, only about 3 cm long. They have mostly golden-yellow colour with small green centres. Leaves inside the bush tend to show less yellow and more green.The shrub grows slowly and very dense, it is supposed to be a dwarf plant in your climate (zone 6). It needs no pruning but can take it: in spring for re-juvenating, in July for shaping.
Japanese spindles are quite soil tolerant. They will do well in almost any well-drained soil, preferably moist, but not wet. Grow them on any location from full sun to deep shade but beware that plants with variegated foliage may suffer from winter and early spring morning sun. If you can find them a spot with winter shade and basically any portion of summer sunlight you may get in your garden. The species with green leaves does not mind winter sun so much. Even if leaves are sunburnt in winter don't worry, the plant will make a lot of new ones in spring. Protect them from extreme winds. If grown in containers overwinter them in a frost-free location with enough light. Hardy to -24°C (USDA zone 6).
Last update 03-01-2009
