Euonymus japonicus 'MICROPHYLLUS AUREOVARIEGATUS' boxleaf euonymus, dwarf japanese spindle

Microphyllus Aureovariegatus is a dwarf cultivar of Japanese spindle which is not only handsome but also much hardier compared to its larger-leaved relatives. Its leaves are small – about 2 cm long and half a centimetre wide – glossy, evergreen, and vividly coloured against a dark background. In the lower parts of the shrub, the leaves are deep green, gradually turning yellow from the first third upward, so that the top glows bright golden-yellow in spring. In summer, the leaves reveal green centres while the margins retain their vivid yellow, resembling golden embroidery on a green canvas. The overall habit is compact and dense, with upright branches growing closely together. The shrub grows slowly, only about 10 cm per year, and somewhat resembles a miniature boxwood but with a more colourful coat. Its flowers are inconspicuous. The exact origin of this cultivar is not documented, but the green-leaved form from which it likely arose as a spontaneous variegated mutation was introduced to Europe by German physician and botanist Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866), who worked in Japan during the first half of the 19th century.

Thanks to its compact growth and vibrant foliage, Microphyllus Aureovariegatus serves as an elegant contrast element in garden compositions, especially alongside other evergreen shrubs with green foliage. Its fine-textured leaves pair beautifully with larger-leaved small shrubs like leucothoe. In small gardens, it works wonderfully with other fine-leaved plants such as Hebe or Pieris, and when combined with dwarf pines or bonsai, the ensemble resembles a miniature Japanese garden. Its modest size also makes it ideal for edging flower beds, container planting, or as a low hedge that maintains its shape without frequent pruning. Its “golden coat” pairs well with dark-leaved perennials such as maroon Heuchera, while in Japanese-style compositions it acts as a subtle accent among stones and ferns. Its regular shape and slow growth also invite shaping – whether into low spheres or as part of geometric plantings.

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 03-01-2009; 06-10-2025