Common Name: boxwood
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Buxaceae
Native Range: Japan
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 3.00 to 4.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Hedge
Flower: Fragrant, Insignificant
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-drained loams (sand-clay mixture) in full sun to part shade. Plants will grow well in a variety of part-shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Plants can grow in close to full shade, but typically are less vigorous and more open with decreased foliage density. When grown in full sun, plant foliage is more likely to scorch, bronze in winter or suffer from mite attacks. Plants prefer soils with a pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Plants are generally tolerant of pruning and shearing as needed. Pruning should never be done prior to the last spring frost date. Pruning too early in spring often promotes tender new growth that may be damaged or killed by a late spring frost. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots. Roots appreciate a good organic (e.g., bark or compost) mulch (1-2”). Thin plants and remove dead/damaged branches annually to improve air circulation. This boxwood is best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds and full day winter sun. Winter winds can remove moisture from leaves at a rapid rate, often resulting in dehydration and bronzing. Plants may be propagated by cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Genus name comes from the Latin name for plants in this genus.
Specific epithet means small-leaved.
Common name of boxwood is in reference to the prior use of the wood to make boxes. Another theory on common name is that boxwood describes the quadrangular (square box cross section) stems of young plants.
Problems
Boxwood foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. Some susceptibility to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be a problem in poorly-drained soils. Plants are susceptible to boxwood leafminer, boxwood mites, and box tree moth, but are usually not affected by boxwood psyllid.
Uses
Slow-growing boxwood. Specimen, mass or edging. Hedge. Foundations. Topiary.