Buxus

( BUX - uss )

At-A-Glance Information

Boxwood are the classic manicured hedges, but are also beautiful and billowing when left untrimmed. This family of shrubs has been used in gardens since 1652. You may know boxwoods for their ability to be sheared into different patterns and shapes as hedges and topiaries, and they also can provide a great backdrop for other plants. The wood is sometimes used for carvings and to make musical instruments, and has been historically used in the manufacture of a variety of other products, like rulers, boxes, and combs. Take care when planting these shrubs in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

buxus species and varietals

There are about 70 species included in the genus Buxus and around 160 cultivars. Buxus is the type genus of the family Buxaceae. The ideal growing zones for these shrubs varies depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Buxus balearica (Balearic Boxwood, Spanish Boxwood, Belaric Box, Giant Boxwood, Minorca Box)
This evergreen species forms a shrub or small tree reaching up to 10 feet tall. Leaves are larger than common boxwood species, and sometimes take on reddish or golden tones. Flowers bloom in springtime, and plants regenerate well after fire. Best in USDA hardiness zones 8a-10b.

Buxus harlandii (Harland Boxwood, Harland's Boxwood, Japanese Box, Boxwood)
These shrubs are native to coastal areas in southeastern China and Vietnam. This species of Boxwood is commonly used as a bonsai subject, and produces glossy green leaves and inconspicuous white flowers. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 6a-9b.

Buxus 'Green Series' (Hybrid Boxwood)
This group of hybrid boxwood grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24. They are native to Canada, and are hardy to -20 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. All plants in this group have green foliage and their natural shape is attractive; they need very little pruning. The following three varieties are part of this Green Series hybrid group of boxwood:

'Green Gem'
Slowly grows into a 3-4 foot mound. When winter rolls around and the temperature drops, there will be some bronzing on the leaves.

'Green Mountain'
A dense, cone-shaped variety 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide.

'Green Velvet'
A rounded shrub, growing up to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. This variety stays green through the winter months.

Buxus microphylla (Japanese Boxwood, Littleleaf Box)
This species grows in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 3b-24. Varieties include:

'Compacta'
A compact variety of boxwood hedge, topping out at 1 foot tall and wide. New leaves have a yellow tint, but become fully green when mature. This variety makes a great bonsai specimen.

'Faulkner'
Glossy emerald-color leaves year-round. This variety is slow growing, but can reach 6 feet tall if not trimmed or shaped, and has a rounded shape to it.

Buxus microphylla japonica
To 4-6 feet high and wide if not pruned. Hardy to -10 degrees F, but has a poor appearance in winter. It is often used as a hedge or clipped into globes.

Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood, English Boxwood, European Box, Boxwood)
This species grows in zones 3b-6 and 15-17. It is native to the south of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. This species does not like alkaline soils or hot summer climates. It can grow to 15-20 feet tall and wide. Leaves are dark green, oval-shaped and dense. The following four varieties are examples of the Common Boxwood:

'Graham Blandy'
Columnar variety, growing 7-9 feet tall and 1 foot wide.

'Suffruticosa'
Known as the 'True Dwarf Boxwood'; slow growing to 4-5 feet tall. Small leaves and a dense form.

'Variegata'
Leaves edged in a white cream color.

'Vardar Valley'
To 2-3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Native to Macedonia, and considered the hardiest of the boxwoods.

Buxus sinica (Chinese Box, Small-Leaved Box)
This species is native to central and southern China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, and is commonly used as a bonsai subject. It forms a shrub or small tree, and there are many cultivars that are great ornamentals for gardens, including those listed below:

'Winter Gem'

'Justin Brouwers'

'Wintergreen'

Caring for Buxus

Take care when planting these shrubs in the garden, as plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Plant in a space in the landscape that receives partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 4 and 6 hours of sun each day, but can handle full sun (6-8 hours) when soil is kept moist. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.5 and 7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new environment. At maturity, these shrubs can get by on rainwater for most of the year with supplemental waterings during extended periods of drought. On average, they need about 1-2 inches of water per week, more if they are planted in full sun.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Prune these shrubs in late springtime or summer; these shrubs can be sheared and are also commonly used as topiary. To keep a more natural look, selectively prune in early springtime for size and shape. For information on pruning techniques, including hedge shearing and selective pruning, see the Pruning module. Boxwood shrubs vary in their expected life span in the garden from as low as 20-30 years to centuries if cared for properly.

Caring for Buxus in Containers
Barberry shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Buxus plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Buxus, or Boxwood, shrubs are most easily propagated via cuttings. For instructions on how to successfully propagate your Boxwood hedge, see below:

Propagating Buxus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 4-6 inch semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.