Corynocarpus laevigatus 'Variegatus' (Variegated New Zealand Laurel) - This is a slow growing narrow upright evergreen tree reaching 25 to 40 feet tall densely covered with oblong dark glossy green foliage with creamy variegation along the leaf margins. On the species small white flowers appearing in spring are followed by orange (poisonous) berries but we have old plants of this cultivar and have only seen it flower rarely and never fruit.
Plant in part sun and water regularly to occasionally - a fairly drought tolerant shade plant once established and plants in our garden at the nursery go months between irrigation. Hardy to 20-25 F. This plant makes a good container plant, for screening in shaded locations or under eaves where it gets morning or late afternoon sun. It looks best when trimmed and not sheared.
This plant has been grown in the US for many years as Corynocarpus laevigata 'Variegata' with the epithet and the cultivar name misspelled. The correct ending for both should be a "us" as in Corynocarpus laevigatus 'Variegatus'. In L.J. Metcalf's "The Cultivation of New Zealand Trees and Shrubs" it indicates that this cultivar might actually be 'Alba Variegatus' as the 'Variegatus' cultivar has broad yellow colored leaf margins. Since this is the only variegated cultivar we see in general cultivation in the U.S. we continue to list it simply as 'Variegatus'. For more information on the species see our listing for Corynocarpus laevigatus. We have grown this plant since 1991 and have several nice specimens planted in the nursery garden.
The information about Corynocarpus laevigatus 'Variegatus' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |