Varigated Boxwood Beauty

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 1–2 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Variegated Boxwood Beauty (Carissa macrocarpa ‘Variegata’): Elegant Groundcover with Year-Round Color

Variegated Boxwood Beauty is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its glossy green leaves edged in creamy white. This low-maintenance plant offers year-round visual interest, fragrant flowers, and edible red fruit, making it both beautiful and functional for Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Variegated Boxwood Beauty

• Attractive Variegated Foliage: Dense, glossy leaves with creamy white edges provide texture and color contrast.
• Fragrant White Flowers: Small, star-shaped blooms appear throughout the warm season.
• Edible Fruit: Small red plums follow the blooms, offering a sweet-tart flavor when fully ripe.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant: Thrives in Arizona’s sun and heat once established.
• Low-Maintenance: Naturally compact, requiring minimal pruning.

Growing and Care Tips

Variegated Boxwood Beauty is a versatile, resilient choice for borders, groundcover, and containers.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soils; tolerates sandy and rocky soils.
Water: Regular watering during establishment; needs only occasional deep watering once mature.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Pruning: Light trimming keeps the plant neat and encourages fuller growth.

Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover: Spreads to form dense coverage for slopes, medians, or large open beds.
• Borders & Edges: Creates a low, decorative hedge along pathways and garden beds.
• Containers: Great in pots for patios, balconies, and courtyards.
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes soil with its dense root system.

Summary

Variegated Boxwood Beauty combines lush foliage, seasonal flowers, and edible fruit in a compact, low-maintenance package. Its durability and attractive variegation make it a standout in desert landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Variegated Boxwood Beauty

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for maximum growth and flowering; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Must be well-draining; amend clay soils for improved drainage.
Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for full coverage.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not required—forms a naturally compact mound.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deep water immediately after planting to saturate roots.
• Frequency: Water every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Apply enough to moisten the soil 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Generally after 2–3 months with consistent watering and healthy new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10–14 days during hot, dry spells.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 12 inches from the plant center.
Flow Rate: Use a 1-gallon-per-hour emitter.
Number of Emitters: One per plant; two for older or wider specimens.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during peak summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Variegated Boxwood Beauty:

• Soil Check: Let the top 2–3 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water can lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Apply a light layer of gravel mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.