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Southern Living Plant Collection

Romeo Cleyera

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$36.98
  • Dark green leaves with buttery golden edges
  • Matures to 6-8′ high x 6′ wide
  • Hardy in USDA Zones 7 - 10
  • Plant in full sun to part shade
Pot size

Description

The Romeo® Cleyera is a brand new addition to the Southern Living Plant Collection! This variegated Cleyera features leathery dark green leaves with buttery golden edges. These oval leaves typically measure from 2.5-4" long, and come to a soft point on the end. Furthermore, this foliage remains remarkably eye-catching and evergreen all year long.

Fall and Winter sees the second act of the Romeo Cleyera's foliage display. During these seasons, leaves take on a rosy pink to red hue. Consequently, this shrub adds a whole new dimension of interest when most of the landscape is hunkering down for a cold winter.

In addition to being a reliable beauty, this variegated Cleyera is naturally compact, with characteristically dense foliage. This ensures seamless foliage in whatever capacity you use it.

Need a privacy screen, but want something a little more exciting than traditional options? The Romeo Cleyera reaches 6-8′ H x 6′ W! So it's perfect as a colorful privacy hedge or screen that is both beautiful and practical.

Try it as a hedge or mixed garden planting. A yearly trim in spring is sufficient to keep it neat, tidy, and the size you desire.

The Romeo Cleyera is noted to be particularly disease and pest resistant, as well as heat tolerant. Therefore, this shrub is perfect for Southern gardens.

Romeo Cleyera Care

Plant in USDA Zones 7-10.

This variegated Cleyera prefers Full Sun to Part Shade.

Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH will produce the best results. The Romeo Cleyera needs good drainage to avoid root rot.

Water regularly after planting. Traditionally 2-3 times a week is sufficient, with additional waterings being necessary in dry and hot conditions. During this time, check the soil to ensure that it isn't drying out or staying soggy. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Continue this watering regimen for the first growing season to get this variegated Cleyera off on the right foot!

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to ensure optimal health. To encourage faster growth speed, reapply fertilizer every few months according to your fertilizer's instructions.

Check out Romeo's counterpart, the Juliet Cleyera.

PBM post on Planting Hedges and Screens

PBM Blog post featuring the new Variegated Cleyeras from the Southern Living Plant Collection

Care & Use

Getting Started: Understanding Your New Plant

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Our plants are adaptable but grow best in the correct USDA Zones. Click here to learn more about your USDA Zone.

Planting Instructions

Dig a Hole

First, dig a hole three times the width of the root ball of your plant. This makes it easier for the root system to spread out quickly. Dig the hole deep enough that your plant will sit level with or slightly above the ground around it.

Amend Your Soil

Mix your native soil with rich gardening soil to provide extra nutrients and support plant growth. If your soil is clay-heavy, we recommend mixing your native clay soil with equal parts of Pine Bark mulch to improve drainage and the overall breathability of your soil.

Place Your Plant

Examine the roots. If they appear tightly bound, gently coax them apart; this ensures they can spread into the new soil. Place your plant in the hole so the top of the rootball is even with the surrounding soil—Backfill around it with the amended soil mixture. The roots need access to oxygen for your plant to thrive, so do not cover the rootball; place soil around it.

Mulch Your Plants

Top the soil beneath your plant with 3-4 inches of mulch to help it retain moisture. Be careful not to cover the rootball - your new plants roots need access to oxygen.

Water Your Plant

Soak the plant with a hose afterward to hydrate the plant, as well as get the soil and mulch situated. Develop a regular watering schedule based on your plant's needs and local weather patterns. Remember, over watering is just as, if not more, harmful than under watering.

Spacing Recommendations

Spacing Your Romeo Cleyera

For a seamless planting, space your Romeo Cleyera 4 feet apart from plant center to plant center. For space between plantings, plant them 7+ feet apart.

  • Scientific Name
    Cleyera japonica 'variegata'
  • Hardiness Zone
    7, 8, 9, 10
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Evergreen or Deciduous
    Evergreen
  • Features
    Disease Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Variegated, Winter / Fall Foliage Color
  • Feature Color
    Green, Yellow
  • Uses
    Accent, Border, Container, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Planting
  • Water Needs
    Medium
  • Bloom Season
    Spring

Growing Zones : 7, 8, 9, and 10

Map of USDA Zones 7-10
Southern Living Plant Collection Nandinas planted in a container with heucherella in front of a fireplace

Southern Living Plants

A collection of shrubs, trees, and perennials selected by plant experts to thrive in the heat of the South. Find traditional varieties like camellias mixed with new landscape favorites like agapanthus. These varieties have been bred to tackle landscape challenges specific to the region.

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2 Gallon Romeo Cleyera for sale with variegated green and yellow leaves in a southern living pot on a white background
Southern Living Plant Collection

Romeo Cleyera

From $36.98

The Romeo® Cleyera is a brand new addition to the Southern Living Plant Collection! This variegated Cleyera features leathery dark green leaves with buttery golden edges. These oval leaves typically measure from 2.5-4" long, and come to a soft point on the end. Furthermore, this foliage remains remarkably eye-catching and evergreen all year long.

Fall and Winter sees the second act of the Romeo Cleyera's foliage display. During these seasons, leaves take on a rosy pink to red hue. Consequently, this shrub adds a whole new dimension of interest when most of the landscape is hunkering down for a cold winter.

In addition to being a reliable beauty, this variegated Cleyera is naturally compact, with characteristically dense foliage. This ensures seamless foliage in whatever capacity you use it.

Need a privacy screen, but want something a little more exciting than traditional options? The Romeo Cleyera reaches 6-8′ H x 6′ W! So it's perfect as a colorful privacy hedge or screen that is both beautiful and practical.

Try it as a hedge or mixed garden planting. A yearly trim in spring is sufficient to keep it neat, tidy, and the size you desire.

The Romeo Cleyera is noted to be particularly disease and pest resistant, as well as heat tolerant. Therefore, this shrub is perfect for Southern gardens.

Romeo Cleyera Care

Plant in USDA Zones 7-10.

This variegated Cleyera prefers Full Sun to Part Shade.

Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH will produce the best results. The Romeo Cleyera needs good drainage to avoid root rot.

Water regularly after planting. Traditionally 2-3 times a week is sufficient, with additional waterings being necessary in dry and hot conditions. During this time, check the soil to ensure that it isn't drying out or staying soggy. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Continue this watering regimen for the first growing season to get this variegated Cleyera off on the right foot!

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to ensure optimal health. To encourage faster growth speed, reapply fertilizer every few months according to your fertilizer's instructions.

Check out Romeo's counterpart, the Juliet Cleyera.

PBM post on Planting Hedges and Screens

PBM Blog post featuring the new Variegated Cleyeras from the Southern Living Plant Collection

Pot size

  • 2 Gallon
  • 3 Gallon
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