Buxus
( BUX - uss )
At-A-Glance InformationBoxwood 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.
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buxus species and varietals
There are about 70 different species included in the genus Buxus, and somewhere 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 'Green Series'
This group of boxwood grows in zones 2b-24. They originate in 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 group of boxwood:
This group of boxwood grows in zones 2b-24. They originate in 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 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 zones 3b-24, and is rarely planted in the ground. The varieties of Buxus microphylla include:
This species grows in zones 3b-24, and is rarely planted in the ground. The varieties of Buxus microphylla 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)
'Sempervirens' means evergreen. 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:
'Sempervirens' means evergreen. 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, but is usually kept trimmed at a much shorter height. Small leaves and a dense form. |
'Variegata'
Leaves edged in a white cream color. |
'Vardar Valley'
Best in zones 2b-6, and 15-17. 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:
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:
Caring for And Pruning Buxus Shrubs
These shrubs are easy to grow, but caring for them does require some work. Buxus is not picky about soil, as long as it is evenly moist and well-draining. They can tolerate being planted in full sun conditions if the soil is kept moist, but prefer partial shade. Prune these shrubs in late springtime and summer, and supply a feeding of fertilizer after pruning to encourage quick new growth. These shrubs can be sheared, and respond well to such treatment, and can also be turned into topiary subjects. Water these plants well in spring and summertime, and lessen waterings in winter when they enter their dormancy. Provide a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks in the summertime, and stop feeding in August.
Propagation
The best time for trimming boxwood for propagation cuttings is in midsummer. In the early morning, take 3-4 inch cuttings from an existing plant with a clean set of pruners. Make sure the cuttings you are taking are free of damage and disease. Commercial rooting medium is best for starting boxwood cuttings, or you can make your own from 1 part clean builder's sand, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part vermiculite.
Begin by removing the bottom two inches of leaves from each cutting, and then dip each in rooting hormone, tapping to remove any excess. Please note: Do not tap the cutting over the container of rooting hormone. If your new cuttings are diseased, this will transfer the disease to the rooting hormone and to all of your future cuttings. Stick your cutting about two inches down into the rooting medium. Firm up the rooting medium around the base of the cutting just enough to make the cutting stand straight. If you put multiple cuttings in one growing container, space them a few inches apart. For example, you can fit three cuttings in a 6-inch pot. Then, place the pot in a large plastic bag and close the top.
Open the bag daily to mist the cuttings and check the soil for moisture. About three weeks from the date the cuttings were planted, give each cutting a little tug to test for roots. If roots have not yet formed, continue testing on a weekly basis until roots appear. Once roots have grown, remove the pot from the plastic bag. If you are growing multiple cuttings in one pot, now is the time to move them to separate pots. Fill each pot with good potting soil, separate and plant the cuttings, and move all pots to a sunny indoor area. The cuttings will be ready to put in the ground come springtime.
Begin by removing the bottom two inches of leaves from each cutting, and then dip each in rooting hormone, tapping to remove any excess. Please note: Do not tap the cutting over the container of rooting hormone. If your new cuttings are diseased, this will transfer the disease to the rooting hormone and to all of your future cuttings. Stick your cutting about two inches down into the rooting medium. Firm up the rooting medium around the base of the cutting just enough to make the cutting stand straight. If you put multiple cuttings in one growing container, space them a few inches apart. For example, you can fit three cuttings in a 6-inch pot. Then, place the pot in a large plastic bag and close the top.
Open the bag daily to mist the cuttings and check the soil for moisture. About three weeks from the date the cuttings were planted, give each cutting a little tug to test for roots. If roots have not yet formed, continue testing on a weekly basis until roots appear. Once roots have grown, remove the pot from the plastic bag. If you are growing multiple cuttings in one pot, now is the time to move them to separate pots. Fill each pot with good potting soil, separate and plant the cuttings, and move all pots to a sunny indoor area. The cuttings will be ready to put in the ground come springtime.
Problems and Pests
Boxwoods can be affected by a number of issues that cause browning and yellowing of leaves, ranging from easily curable problems to extreme disasters. Winter damage is a common problem, especially if you live in a place that experiences freezing temperatures. The damage caused by winter's chill may not become visible for a few months, sometimes cropping up in the springtime. Don't panic, however, because this issue can be remedied with normal water and fertilizing.
Root rot is also an issue that pops up with boxwoods, and occurs when fungal diseases attack the roots of the plant. When it becomes serious, the leaves on the boxwood will turn yellow and curl. This issue can also stunt growth. Serious root rot can affect the crown and discolor the wood near the base of the shrub. Luckily, treating root rot is pretty straightforward: increase drainage! If the plant is in a pot, simply reduce your waterings and ensure that the drainage hole in the bottom of your pot is not being plugged by dirt. If the shrub is being used in your landscape, carefully dig around the base of the plant and amend the soil.
Root rot is also an issue that pops up with boxwoods, and occurs when fungal diseases attack the roots of the plant. When it becomes serious, the leaves on the boxwood will turn yellow and curl. This issue can also stunt growth. Serious root rot can affect the crown and discolor the wood near the base of the shrub. Luckily, treating root rot is pretty straightforward: increase drainage! If the plant is in a pot, simply reduce your waterings and ensure that the drainage hole in the bottom of your pot is not being plugged by dirt. If the shrub is being used in your landscape, carefully dig around the base of the plant and amend the soil.
Other issues and pests that can affect Boxwood shrubs include:
- Nemotodes
- Powdery Mildew
- Canker
- Leaf Miner
- Scale
- Spider Mites
Gallery
Videos
Using Boxwoods for Garden Design
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Boxwood Propagation Using Cuttings
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Example of a Formal Garden with Boxwoods
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Choosing a Boxwood for Your Yard
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Remedies for a Sick Boxwood
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 208, Buxus
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