Acer Negundo Aureomarginatum Box Elder

Acer Negundo Aureomarginatum or Box Elder Aureomarginata
The Acer Negundo aureomarginatum is a variegated form of a Box Elder tree. It only reaches 7 meters in height when fully grown and its diminutive sizes makes it an ideal tree for small gardens. It can be grown either as a single stem or multi-stem tree. Box Elder Aureomarginata grows at a rapid rate. It is a long-living deciduous tree and should flourish in the garden for at least fifty or more years.

Variegated leaves are the true focal point of the small tree. The pinnate leaves have a yellowish-white coloured margin and the interior is a bright green. Plant this tree beside evergreens or other darker plants to create visual contrast in the garden and to truly appreciate its lovely variegated foliage. During the autumn, the foliage typically turns yellow before falling from the tree to reveal interesting pale grey branches. During the spring and early summer, the tree does flower and bear tiny fruit but they offer no ornamental significance and are often completely overlooked.

The small Box Elder grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade. It is a hardy little tree and will tolerate a wide array of soil types and pH levels. However, it does not like overly wet feet, so you should pick a well-draining planting site. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and often thrives where more delicate trees perish.

After planting the tree, keep the root system moist but not overly wet for the first year to encourage strong root growth. Once the tree has established itself, it will readily tolerate periods of brief drought.

Typically, the Acer negundo Aureomarginatum does not require extensive pruning, but if you wish to trim the tree to maintain its size then the pruning should be done in the summer after the leaves have fully matured. The tree should not be pruned in the winter or spring because it is prone to bleeding sap.

Most variegated trees are prone to reversion which means that the tree’s dominant characteristic of growing solid green leaves can take over. If the tree grows a branch that only has solid green foliage and the leaves boast no variegation than the limb should be pruned to maintain the tree’s variegated characteristics.

The tree often sprouts at the base so it can be grown as a large oval-shaped shrub. If you wish the Box Elder to remain a single stem specimen then promptly remove any shoots from the base of the tree as they appear.

The Box Elder Aureomarginata is a German cultivar. Its history can be traced back to 1883. The small tree has stood the test of time and still remains a garden favourite. It is a wonderful choice for an accent tree, focal specimen, or to provide modest shade. We also sell the Acer Negundo Flamingo which is also a variety of variegated box elder.