Polygala to Russelia
Polyscias scutellaria 'Marginata'
(Syn.: Polyscias balfouriana 'Marginata'), Geranium Leaf Aralia
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This beautiful lush compact plant, growing 3 to 5 feet tall with rounded gray green leaflets bordered with ivory white edges, resembles a white variegated geranium. It is commonly planted around homes in the tropics as a specimen or as a hedge. The origins of this plant are unknown, but thought to come from somewhere between Indonesia and southwest Polynesia. In warm climates it should be planted in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. It has moderate wind and drought tolerance. As an attractive slower growing container plant be sure to provide fast drainage, as it will not tolerate water-logged soil, and give bright interior light. By careful pruning, the plant makes an excellent indoor bonsai. It is strictly a tropical and will decline when temperatures drop below 50F. USDA zones 11 - 12. This plant is commonly referred to as the Balfour Aralia or Balfouriana by some house plant growers, but in fact that term should only refer to the all green-leafed species, not this 'Marginata' variety.