Ilex x altacherensis 'Golden King' - Golden King Holly

The 'Golden King' is a variegated foliaged female, I know, funny name for a female, but perhaps even more funny is another cultivar 'Golden Queen' is a male. Go figure. One of many hybrid hollies breed and selected for in England. This cultivar is not commonly found around here. Evergreen tree with an upright habit to 25' or so and typically with a dense canopy.

Foliage is alternate, simple, ovate to oblong, four inches long or so, about 1" wide, dark green in the center and golden to whitish colored margins. Variegation variable, not just the color but the symmetry and amount of variegation. Margins mostly entire, occasionally 2 spines near the apex of the leaf.

Flowers dioecious, white, small, females have infertile stamens. Need a male around to provide pollen.

Fruit is red, 1/4" to 3/8" diameter in clusters of 3-7 or there about. Persistent through winter, still in place when blooming the following spring. See above.

Misidentification:
Other hollies, but this one has entire margins and the variegation pattern is in the middle of the leaf and not on the edges.

Location
Santa Cruz
At the Civic Center

Juniperus chinensis 'Kaizuka Variegata' - Variegated Hollywood Juniper

The Variegated Kaizuka Juniper or sometimes called the Variegated Hollywood Juniper is an uncommon sight in SC county, with only a few registering in my travels. Growing slowly to 15' with a spread of 10', the plants are very much tighter than the green hollywood juniper and lack the wide spreading branches, though the branches do twist. Grown for its splashes of cream foliage, it makes a nice specimen.

Evergreen leaves are spirally arranged, scale like, very small with juvenile awl-shaped leaves thrown in. The cream areas lack chlorophyll completely and provide no help in growth, but look cool.

Juvenile foliage awl-shaped and some lacking chlorophyll.

Quite frequently the cream foliage dies in summer heat.

This clone has cones.

Also known a Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa Variegata'

Misidentification:
Not sure


Location:
Aptos
Corner of Soquel Dr and State Park in the parking strip of the Church, across from the Safeway gas station.

706 Clubhouse Dr.

Capitola
102 Grand Ave

Azara microphylla 'Variegata' - Variegated Boxleaf Azara

The Variegated Boxleaf Azara is a small upright growing evergreen tree with very small variegated leaves and scented flowers hailing from Chile. Far more popular than the green leaf species. Tolerant of shade, this small tree - large shrub grows to about 12-15 feet and about 12 feet wide. Has the potential to revert to green.

Leaves are evergreen, simple, about a half long, with the majority of the leaf showing yellow variegation along the margins inward.

Branches are upright and arching. Individual branches have a very two dimensional look forming a fishbone like pattern, much like Cotoneaster horizontals.

Trees bloom in the winter or early spring with small clusters of yellow flowers in the axils of the leaves, releasing a fragrance some liken to chocolate or vanilla. Can't say I have experienced either.


Misidentification: Can't think of anything.

Location:
Aptos
420 Clubhouse Dr.

Santa Cruz
354 Myrtle St. Corner of Myrtle and Taylor, one on Taylor side and one on Myrtle.