Cleyera japonica Variegata

Cleyera japonica 'Variegata', also known as 'Tricolor' or Eurya fortunei, is an evergreen bush introduced from Japan, valued for its decorative variegated foliage.

Little known, the Cleyera japonica 'Variegata' is an upright and bushy shrub, with many branches arranged in a characteristic manner, almost horizontally, adorned with dense and evergreen foliage. The leaves measure up to 9 cm long. They are oblong in shape, thick, dark green with cream-white edges, tinted coppery pink on new shoots in spring. Shiny, they can also take on reddish tones in winter. In summer, it bears many creamy white cup-shaped flowers measuring 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, difficult to spot at first glance, but fragrant. They are followed in autumn by small red fruits that turn black when ripe, equally discreet.

With slow growth, it reaches about 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) in height or more at maturity. It requires a neutral to acidic soil, rich in humus, light and well-drained, but does not dry out too easily. Its hardiness is limited and it requires a sheltered position from severe cold, in a sunny or partially shaded position. This small and decorative bush is ideal for adding colour to a well-sheltered courtyard, such as terraces and small urban gardens, it is resistant to pollution and suitable for container planting. It can be planted with other acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons, camellias, kalmias, magnolias, Japanese Andromedas (Pieris), heathers, or even with skimmias. Also consider hydrangeas to give it a flowering companion in summer!