Variegated Box Elder

Introduced from a branch sport off a nursery in southern France in 1845, Acer negundo Variegata makes a glorious garden tree but must be well-maintained to get the most from its majestic display of silver-lined variegated foliage.

Like the Acer negundo Flamingo, this tree is bottom-grafted to support its weight, as top grafting would make the graft union too heavy to sustain. The trick to keeping Acer negundo Variegata vibrant is to prune heavily each winter to encourage vigorous regrowth. If left alone, the tree has a tendency to slowly revert to green, similar to Acer platanoides Drummondii.

Thriving on most soils, this tough Variegated Box Elder tree is ideal for gardens where it can be fully appreciated. To maintain its vibrant variegation, it should be pruned back by 50% each winter; few trees rival its display when properly maintained.

Mature height 7-12m

Common names

Variegated Box Elder

Height of tree

7-12m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Oval

Foliage Colour

Variegated

Looks good in

Summer, Spring

Location

Garden, Parkland

Genus

Acer