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Euonymus japonicus 'MICROPHYLLUS ALBOVARIEGATUS' boxleaf euonymus, dwarf Japanese spindle
Euonymus
Euonymus is a botanically diverse genus of woody plants that includes both deciduous and evergreen shrubs as well as small trees. In nature, it is found primarily in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere – from Europe through the Caucasus to East Asia. Some species have also spread into the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Australia. In gardens, the most encountered representatives include Euonymus europaeus with its striking pink fruits, Euonymus fortunei which creeps and climbs along walls, and the evergreen Euonymus japonicus, forming compact shrubs with glossy leaves. The genus is known for its adaptability to various conditions, making it a popular choice for urban greenery, hedges, and collector plantings. The wood of some species, especially those with a denser structure, has traditionally been used in Asia to make fine calligraphy brushes – valued for its strength and delicate fibrous texture.
Euonymus japonicus originates from Japan, Korea, and southeastern China, where it grows in coastal forests and on sunny slopes. It was scientifically described by Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg (1743–1828), who discovered it during his travels in Japan, where he worked as a physician and naturalist. The species was introduced to Europe in the 19th century, likely through botanical collections from Japan, where it is culturally respected not only as an ornamental plant but also as a symbol of stability and protection. In some regions, its branches are hung above doorways as a talisman against evil spirits – like how mistletoe is used in Central Europe. In urban landscaping, it is valued for its resistance to wind, salty air, and pollution, making it an ideal candidate for planting in parks, streets, and terraces in areas where it is reliably hardy.
Microphyllus Albovariegatus is a dwarf cultivar of Japanese spindle, with small, firm leaves that are distinctly margined white. They are small, only about 2 × 0.5 cm, evergreen, and glossy and create a subtle contrast between the dark green centre and creamy white margins. In spring, they resemble delicate lace; in summer, the colours settle into an elegant two-tone pattern. The overall habit is compact and dense, with upright branches growing closely together. Growth is slow, around 10 cm per year, making it ideal for small spaces. Flowers are inconspicuous. The cultivar likely originated as a spontaneous, white-variegated mutation of the green-leaved form introduced to Europe by German physician and botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866).
Thanks to its compact growth and light foliage, Microphyllus Albovariegatus works beautifully as a contrast element in garden compositions. It stands out next to dark-leaved evergreen shrubs or in combination with larger-leaved plants such as Leucothoe or Pieris. In small gardens, it pairs well with small-leaved Hebe, dwarf mountain pines, or bonsai, creating the impression of a miniature Japanese landscape. Its modest size makes it ideal for edging beds, container planting, or low hedges. The white variegation combines well with perennials that have more colourful foliage, whether in cool or warm tones. Try blue accents with Campanula, compact Nepeta, or smaller Salvia cultivars, or brighten the scene with the yellow-green blooms of Gaillardia and Coreopsis. For a particularly sofisticated look, plant it alongside Kniphofia. In Japanese-style plantings, it serves as a subtle ornament among stones and ferns. Its regular shape and slow growth invite shaping: into low spheres or as part of geometric arrangements.
Dwarf euonymus cultivars rank among the hardiest forms of Euonymus japonicus, resistant not only to frost but also to pests such as euonymus scale. They thrive best in full sun to partial shade; in deep shade, growth tends to be weak and sparse. Summer sun is well tolerated, but in winter and early spring, variegated cultivars should be placed where they are not exposed to direct sunlight all day, especially if the soil is dry and the air is windy. In such conditions, leaves may lose colour or suffer sunburn, but the plant reliably regenerates in spring. It tolerates almost any well-drained, moderately moist soil which needs some moisture even in winter. Once established, it can withstand rather substantial dry spells. If grown in containers, move them to a cool, bright room for winter, ideally around 5 °C, and during the growing season fertilize it occasionally to prevent leaf drop in the lower parts. Thanks to its slow and dense growth, it requires no pruning but can be shaped or trimmed anytime from spring to mid-summer. Hardy to –24 °C (USDA zone 6).
Last update 17-05-2007; 6-10-2025
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
