Buxus sempervirens Aurea Variegata

Variegated Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens ‘Aurea Variegata’ — commonly known as Golden Variegated Boxwood — is a distinctive evergreen shrub prized for its green leaves edged in golden yellow, providing year-round color contrast in formal and informal landscapes. The variegation is brightest in good light and cooler temperatures, adding visual interest beyond standard green boxwoods.

Key features
Width / spread: 4–6 ft
Height: 6–10 ft (slow-growing; ultimate size depends on age and pruning)
Foliage: Green with golden-yellow margins; evergreen
Form: Upright, dense, broadly pyramidal to rounded
Life cycle: Evergreen shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (best color in full sun to light shade; avoid harsh reflected heat)
Soil: Well-drained; adaptable, prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 5b



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Accent shrub for foliage contrast
Formal and informal hedges
Foundation plantings
Mixed evergreen borders
Feature plant in classic gardens

Notes


Golden variegation provides season-long interest



Color may soften to cream in shade or intense heat



Responds well to shearing and shaping, though light pruning preserves variegation best



Deer resistant



Mulch to protect shallow roots and moderate soil moisture

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

6-10'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Leaf color

SeaGreen

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Container, Foundation

Shape

Broad Upright, Rounded

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No