Variegated English Boxwood | White Margined Evergreen Shrub

Variegated Common Boxwood

5 Gallon

$56.90

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Variegated Common Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata'

A classic upright boxwood with striking, creamy-white variegated margins on glossy, dark green leaves.

$56.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Variegated English Boxwood is a refined, evergreen shrub that brings a bright, elegant twist to the classic boxwood form. Prized for its dense, compact habit and its striking, variegated foliage, this selection features small, glossy, dark green leaves, each beautifully edged with an irregular, creamy-white to pale yellow margin . The subtle yellow-green undersides of the leaves add to its visual texture. A slow-to-moderate grower, it is an excellent choice for adding a touch of light and color to formal gardens, foundation plantings, and mixed borders, either as a clipped hedge or a freestanding specimen.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage: Small (0.5-1 inch), elliptic to oval, glossy, leathery leaves; dark green centers with irregular, creamy-white to pale yellow margins; leaf undersides are yellow-green; evergreen.
Mature Height: 4-5 ft
Mature Spread: 3-4 ft (can be maintained smaller with pruning)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-8 ; Sunset 3B-6, 15-17
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best variegation in sun; some afternoon shade in hot climates)
Core Benefits: Striking creamy-white variegated foliage, compact upright habit, deer resistant, versatile for hedges or specimens, evergreen, cold hardy.
Best Uses: Formal or informal hedges, foundation plantings, mixed borders, specimen plant, entranceways, containers, topiary.

Q: How large does Variegated English Boxwood get?
A: It typically reaches 4-5 feet in height and 3-4 feet in width at maturity . However, like all boxwoods, it responds very well to pruning and can be maintained at a much smaller size for use as a low hedge or foundation planting.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best variegation?
A: The creamy-white leaf margins are most pronounced when the plant is grown in full sun to partial sun . In too much shade, the variegation may fade, and the leaves will become greener. In hot summer climates (e.g., zone 7-8), some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, boxwoods are generally resistant to deer browsing . The dense, somewhat bitter foliage is not a preferred food source, making this a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.

Q: Is it susceptible to boxwood blight?
A: Yes, like most Buxus sempervirens cultivars, 'Variegata' is considered susceptible to boxwood blight . Gardeners in regions where this fungal disease is prevalent should practice good sanitation, ensure good air circulation, and consider planting more resistant alternatives, such as 'NewGen' or 'Green Velvet' boxwoods .

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for a container specimen . Its slow-to-moderate growth rate and attractive form make it a classic for flanking an entranceway or anchoring a patio container. Use a large pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more regular watering.

Q: How does it differ from the True Dwarf English Boxwood ('Suffruticosa')?
A: The Variegated English Boxwood has two key differences: 1) Its leaves are variegated with creamy-white margins, while 'Suffruticosa' has solid dark green leaves. 2) It has a larger mature size (4-5 ft) and a faster growth rate, while 'Suffruticosa' is a true dwarf (1-2 ft) and extremely slow-growing.