Buxus sempervirens Aureo-pendula
Variegated Weeping Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens ‘Aureo-pendula’ — commonly known as Golden Weeping Boxwood — is a rare and ornamental evergreen shrub valued for its gold-variegated foliage and irregular, arching to slightly pendulous habit. Unlike formal boxwoods, this cultivar has a looser, more expressive form that works best as a specimen or accent plant.
Key features
Width / spread: 3–5 ft
Height: 4–6 ft (can be trained or lightly pruned to shape)
Foliage: Green leaves edged and mottled with golden yellow; evergreen
Form: Upright with arching, sometimes pendulous branches
Life cycle: Evergreen shrub
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (best variegation in sun; 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
Specimen or accent shrub
Mixed evergreen borders
Foundation focal points
Collector or specialty gardens
Formal gardens seeking contrast in form
Notes
Growth habit is naturally irregular, not suited to tight shearing
Golden variegation is brightest in cooler weather and good light
Light pruning only; excessive shearing removes character
Deer resistant
Mulch to protect shallow roots and stabilize soil moisture
- Plant type
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Height
- 4-6'
- Width
- 3-5'
- Hardiness zones
- 6–9
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
- Soil
- Clay
- Landscape use
- Hedge, Specimen
- Shape
- Arching, Upright, Weeping
- Bark
- Smooth
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No