Variegated schefflera (Schefflera arboricola "Variegata") is a dwarf version of the Schefflera actinophylla, or umbrella tree. The smaller dwarf schefflera is commonly grown as a container plant, but can be outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, and in lower zones if the temperatures are not less than 25 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time. It has attractive foliage, with variegated green and yellow leaves.
Soil and Sun
Variegated schefflera is drought-tolerant, and like most drought-tolerant plants it isn't very tolerant of sitting in water. The shrub needs a well-draining soil. If your soil has poor drainage, amend the soil with sand, perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Another option is to plant the shrub in a raised bed with a well-draining soil mixture. Schefflera does well in a loamy soil, but will be fine in most soil types with compost or peat moss added. Schefflera is also tolerant of salty soil. You can plant the shrub in full sun to half shade, although it will look a little better in a slightly shady spot.
Water and Fertilizer
Give the schefflera about an inch of water a week, and allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings. It is best to err on the side of dryness, but you can adjust your watering based on the plant. If the plant is getting too much water, the leaves will turn black and fall off. If it is not getting enough water, the leaves will curl. Fertilize the schefflera with a 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer according to the package instructions.
Variegated schefflera is a dwarf version of the umbrella tree, so it doesn't get quite as tall. It can potentially grow up to 20 feet, but most are 8 to 15 feet tall and can be kept smaller through pruning. You can prune the schefflera similarly to other shrubs, as needed throughout the year. Use pruning shears to cut out any dead branches, and cut the ends of branches to maintain size and shape. Make cuts above a bud or leaf node to allow for new growth. The shrubs can spread 6 to 8 feet, so space them at least 6 feet apart.
Dwarf schefflera is a tropical plant from Taiwan, so it does best in USDA zones 10 and 11. It can withstand temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. To protect the plant from the severest temperatures, especially if it is young and not yet established, cover it with a blanket the night before a frost or cold spell and remove the blanket in the morning when the danger has passed.
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