
What does a boxwood look like when it blooms?
Small, insignificant, yellow-green flowers bloom in spring. Mainly grown for their foliage; their leaves grow opposite, are lance-shaped to almost rounded, and are leathery to the touch. Many have darker blue-green foliage, others are a paler green color, and some have variegated leaves. Are boxwoods toxic?
What are the different types of boxwoods?
Hybrid Boxwood. 1 Green Gem Boxwood. Also known as buxus, green gem boxwood is a broad-leafed evergreen plant that tends to bloom in the spring season. The plant grows ... 2 Glencoe Boxwood. 3 Green Mound Boxwood. 4 Green Velvet Boxwood.
What is the difference between Japanese boxwood and Korean boxwood?
Korean boxwood forms oval-shaped leaves that usually only grow to about ½ inch in length. The spring flowers are small and green or yellow in color. Korean boxwood grows to about 4 feet in height. Japanese boxwood was first grown in the United States in 1890 and is considered one of the most adaptable species of boxwood available.
Does suffriticosa boxwood like sun or shade?
Like most boxwoods, the small shrub performs well in full sun to complete shade. The boxwood cultivar ‘Suffriticosa’ is a type of dwarf European boxwood landscaping shrub. The low-growing evergreen shrub has glossy green, ovate leaves that grow up to 1” (2.5 cm long).

What is the most popular boxwood?
15 Boxwood Types (The Most Popular Ones)Small Leaved Cultivars (Buxus microphylla) Grace Hendrick Phillips. Compacta. ... Japanese Cultivars (Buxus microphylla var. Japonica) Green Beauty. ... Korean Cultivars (Buxus sinica var. insularis) Nana. ... Common Cultivars (Buxus sempervirens) American Cultivar. ... Hybrid Cultivars. Glencoe.
What's the difference between American boxwood and English boxwood?
English boxwood is rounded, and the overall shape of the plant is similar to a cloud. English boxwood is an evergreen and blooms during the spring. American boxwood, also known as common boxwood, is a small tree that grows to 10 feet in height, although some older plants can grow up to 20 feet.
What is the best boxwood for a hedge?
Best Boxwoods As Border HedgesBuxus microphylla japonica 'Gregem'Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'Buxus x 'Green Mountain'Buxus x 'Green Velvet'Buxus sempervirens 'Aureo-variegata'Buxus microphylla japonica 'Winter Gem'Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen'
Which boxwood stays green all year?
American and English boxwood The first and probably most important is the European boxwood, Buxus sempervirens. 'Semper-virens' means 'always-green' and this is an evergreen bush with small, round leaves.
What is the greenest boxwood?
Some boxwoods that are prized for retaining their green color throughout most winters are 'Wintergreen', 'Green Velvet', 'Green Mountain', and 'Glencoe'.
Which boxwood is the most disease resistant?
Buxus microphylla, Buxus insularis, and Buxus harlandii cultivars and species are typically more resistant. Open and upright plants, including some Buxus sempervirens tend to be less susceptible.
Are boxwoods high maintenance?
Aside from watering and mulching, growing boxwood is a low maintenance task, unless you wish to keep them as a sheared hedge. Shearing, or pruning of boxwood, is the most time-consuming part of boxwood care when they are grown as a hedge, but you will be rewarded with a healthy, long-lasting hedge.
Do boxwoods like sun or shade?
The boxwood can be grown as a standalone plant, in groups or as a hedge. Furthermore, the boxwood has been used in containers, topiaries and for bonsai purposes. They can thrive in light shade as well as full sun.
How much space do you need between boxwoods?
Place the plants 2 feet apart. Those dwarf varieties that should be 2 to 3 feet apart for a grouping or row of individual plants should be squeezed to more like 15 or 18 inches apart for a low hedge.
What does boxwood look like in the winter?
As popular and lovely as they may be, most boxwood shrubs have a habit of having their shiny green foliage turn to a shade of bronze and even brown, during harsh winter months. This of course depends upon both the general region the shrub may have been planted in, in addition to its specific location.
How do I choose a boxwood?
Think about what you want to create – a short hedge, a taller one, cones or balls, and choose the best variety for its shape and origins, considering the zone you live in. In some parts of the country a nasty disease called Boxwood Blight is spreading in warmer, humid parts of the country.
Are boxwoods expensive?
Pricing/Availability: Usually only available in small quantities and sizes, Boxwood tends to be very expensive.
How do you identify English boxwoods?
Look closer at the shrub's leaf features for helpful clues to its identity. Boxwood leaves are evergreen and remain on the plant through the winter. They range from 0.5 to 1 inch long and are a dark, glossy green on top. The back of the leaf is usually a lighter green with a distinct white midvein (Photo 3).
What is American boxwood?
American boxwood is a classic, large-growing upright rounded boxwood. In an ideal environment, the plant will continue to grow for 75 to 150 years and develop into a massive shrub (sometimes as large as 15 ft. tall and wide or more).
How can you tell the difference between boxwoods?
Most boxwood shrubs are characterized by having small, oval, or lanceolate leathery green leaves. Leaf shape and color are also ways to identify specific boxwood cultivars apart. For example, Japanese boxwoods have tiny oval leaves, whereas American boxwood has leathery lanceolate leaves measuring 1.5” (4 cm) long.
What are the different types of boxwoods?
Common boxBuxus microphyllaBuxus colchicaBuxus citrifoliaChinese BoxBuxus vahliiBox/Lower classifications
What is a boxwood shrub?
Boxwood ( Buxus) is a group of evergreen landscape shrubs that are popular for hedges, foundation plantings, topiary, accents, and containers. Boxwood trees and shrubs are easy to grow in most areas and thrive in full sun or shade. Most boxwood shrubs have dense evergreen foliage consisting of small green oval leaves and compact growth. Boxwood plants have a variety of shapes, including rounded, columnar, and dwarf shrubs.
How tall does a boxwood tree grow?
The boxwood ‘Arborescens’ has oval leaves growing oppositely on woody stems. The boxwood tree grows between 15 and 20 ft. (4.5 – 6 m) tall and has an open spread. It is easy to prune the tall tree into a dense privacy hedge.
What is a dwarf boxwood?
The dwarf Korean boxwood ‘Nana’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with dense green foliage that keeps good color throughout the year. The ‘Nana’ boxwood cultivar has tiny spoon-shaped green leaves creating a lush, rounded shape. As a dwarf boxwood shrub, Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Nana’ is a slow grower, maturing at 2 ft. (0.6 m) tall.
How tall does a green velvet boxwood grow?
The hardy landscaping shrub thrives in most soils and light conditions. It grows 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) tall and wide.
How tall is a fastigiata boxwood?
As an upright boxwood, the ‘Fastigiata’ grows up to 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall and has a narrow spread of 2 ft. (0.6 m).
What is silver beauty boxwood?
The ‘Silver Beauty’ boxwood is a stunning hedge plant with brightly colored creamy-white and green foliage. The small, oblong, pointed leaves have a yellow margin and green center. This variegated boxwood has a pyramidal-rounded shape. The ‘Silver Beauty’ cultivar grows up to 3 ft. (1 m) tall and 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide.
What is a little leaf boxwood?
Some identifying characteristics of the littleleaf boxwood are a rounded shape, small glossy leaves, and compact growth. The low-maintenance shrub is ideal for border edging, container planting, or growing short, formal hedges. Like most boxwoods, the small shrub performs well in full sun to complete shade.
How tall does a boxwood shrub get?
English boxwood, B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa,' is the most commonly grown cultivar, and it was first cultivated in the early 1700's in the United States. It can reach 3 feet in height and usually grows about 1 inch per year.
How big does Korean boxwood get?
The spring flowers are small and green or yellow in color. Korean boxwood grows to about 4 feet in height.
When do Japanese boxwoods bloom?
Commonly grown as a low hedge; it forms an excellent border when maintained. The flowers bloom in April, but are not showy.
Is Korean boxwood disease resistant?
Korean boxwood is a variety that grows in an open habit, as opposed to the dense foliage common in other species of boxwood. This increases the circulation and the amount of light that reaches the inner portions of the plant, making it more disease resistant.
Is American boxwood evergreen?
American boxwood is an evergreen, slight blooms in spring and is very tolerant of cold weather, making it a good choice for cooler, northern regions. The leaves are waxy and dark green in color, with pale undersides. Korean Boxwood.
Where can I find boxwood plants?
I love Boxwood plants. They are fairly small, but they grow quickly. You can find them in pots in the garden center, tucked away amongst the other pots of perennial flowers like begonias and jasmine. It’s not easy to find them in a big box of plants, but they are worth looking for. They feel a little like a small tree and have a tuft ...
How big do Korean boxwoods get?
In summers they are pure dark-leafed shrubs and in winters they tend to turn a little bronze in color. The ideal size of the Korean boxwood variety is around 2 feet. Due to its perfect seasonal adaptation to weather, it can survive the harshest of weather, but it’s best to place it in partial sun and shady area.
What is green gem boxwood?
Green Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana x Buxus sempervirens) Generally, due to its shallow roots, it’s perfect for this shrub to be placed separately among other plants. The leaves of this shrub are broad and they are in perfect shape in the spring season.
Why is English Boxwood a dwarf shrub?
The English Boxwood is also known as the Dwarf shrub due to its smaller size as compared to other of these shrub varieties. Due to its smaller size and much easy to handle pruning routine, this Dwarf shrub is a favorite among many- great for formal hedges with its beautiful green foliage.
What is the best shrub for landscaping?
When it comes to exquisite landscaping, there is one option that everyone gardener or homeowner would go for, and that is the Boxwood shrub. With its evergreen lifecycle, Boxwood varieties are endless and so are their uses which makes them an irresistible choice for many. 1.
Is boxwood poisonous?
Boxwood plants are poisonous, however. Minor skin irritation can last for a few minutes if the plants come in contact with human skin. In extreme cases, the leaves can cause respiratory failure and nausea if eaten.
Is boxwood a perennial?
Boxwood is a large evergreen perennial with a wide range of interesting uses. For one, it can be grown as a container plant, creating a pleasing display of beautiful leaves. It will also thrive in any garden bed once established.
What is the color of boxwood?
They maintain a dark green color throughout the year and their cuttings are a popular choice for holiday decorations.
How many different types of boxwoods are there?
Boxwoods come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and densities. In fact, there are around 90 different species and over 365 different varieties. Because of all the different varieties, you can do almost anything in your yard with these shrubs.
Why are Korean boxwoods so popular?
Korean boxwood (formerly known as Buxus microphylla var. Koreana) are very popular because they are cold-hardy plants. The many branches of these dense and thick plants are covered with finely textured evergreen leaves that make them appealing all year round.
What is a boxwood shrub?
Boxwood shrubs are some of the most versatile types of vegetation in all of the plant kingdom. They are evergreen shrubs that maintain their green foliage all year round. These shrubs can serve various purposes in both the form and the function of your lawn’s landscape. Boxwoods come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and densities.
What is a small leaf boxwood?
Their evergreen leaves have a glossed over appearance that make them very well suited to being paired with plants with bolder colors.
Why combine boxwoods?
The primary rationale for combining the parentage of different types of boxwood was to ensure that homeowners could garner the benefit of the cold-hardy varieties while still having the ability to pick varieties that offered the aesthetic they desire.
Can Buxus microphylla be planted on walls?
They are also great for being planted along walls and fences. The leaves of these varieties can vary across the spectrum of green. Some of these varieties are very well suited to being grown in the United States’ colder growing zones. Here are three popular types of Buxus microphylla:
What is the problem with boxwoods?
Nematodes . The tiny roundworms known as nematodes are no strangers to boxwoods. These microscopic pests feed from plant roots, causing symptoms of general decline. Plants will yellow and wilt or even die back if root damage is extensive. You can prolong the life of these infected plants by providing plenty of water and feeding them regularly, but they will eventually succumb to nematodes. When they do, consider replacing them with nematode-resistant American boxwoods, yaupon holly or Buford holly.
What causes boxwood to turn yellow?
Feed and water your bushes like normal to help them recover. Root Rot. Sometimes the root systems of boxwood shrubs get infected with fungal pathogens like Phytophthora. When root rot becomes serious, it’ll manifest as yellowing leaves that curl inward and turn up, and the plant will grow poorly.
How to treat root rot on boxwood?
Treating root rot is all about increasing the drainage around the plant’s roots, so if it’s potted, make sure to reduce watering frequency. A landscape boxwood may have to be dug and the soil around it amended to give it a fighting chance. Unfortunately, there’s no chemical intervention available for root rot.
Why is my boxwood turning brown?
Here are some common causes of a boxwood turning yellow or brown: Winter Damage . If you live in a place that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter, your boxwood may have been damaged by excessive snow, ice, and cold– or even winter burn.
Can you replace a boxwood plant with a nematode?
When they do, consider replacing them with nematode-resistant American boxwoods, yaupon holly or Buford holly. Macrophoma Leaf Spot.
How many species of boxwood are there?
Members of the genus Buxus include about thirty species and 160 cultivars, including the common American boxwood. Easy to care for in the landscape, occasional trimming may be necessary. Get tips for that here.
What is a boxwood shrub?
Boxwoods are one of the most popular landscape shrubs available . They are noted for their compact forms, ease of care, and adaptability. This article provides information on the various types of boxwood plants available for growing in the garden.
What is a fastigiata boxwood?
Fastigiata boxwood shrubs are a low-maintenance variety of upright boxwood plants. To learn about this variety and its care, click here.
Why is my boxwood turning orange?
If large branches of your mature boxwood turn orange or tan, the plant is likely suffering from boxwood decline, a disorder caused by plant stress and fungal diseases. Learn about boxwood decline symptoms and tips on managing boxwood decline here.
What is the best shrub for hedging?
There are a lot of shrubs in the world, but there?s one that?s universally known as the shrub for hedging: the boxwood. When your boxwood isn?t looking so great, with foliage turning yellow or brown, you need to take action. This article will help.
Do boxwoods need fertilizer?
Healthy boxwood plants have lush green leaves, but to keep your shrubs looking their best, you may need to offer them boxwood plant food. For more information on appropriate fertilizer for boxwood shrubs, click this article.
Can spider mites be on boxwood?
Spider mite damage on boxwoods can be hard to spot at first and after a long infection, the plant's health can be severely affected by these sucking insects. Here are some tips on how to recognize the pests and how to get rid of spider mites on boxwood.
Where do boxwoods grow?
Boxwoods grow naturally all the way around the world, but most of them only grow in tropical and frost-free places. All the boxwoods grown in cool and cold parts of the USA are not native, but they have been around so long they seem like a ‘natural’ part of our gardens.
What is boxwood shrub?
Boxwood shrubs – as hedges of different sizes, clipped shapes or growing naturally – are the backbone of the structure of many gardens. Boundaries and edgings are the easiest way to bring order to a garden, and make your other plants stand out. Whether its edging a path or driveway, adding accents around your home, or simply putting evergreen permanence into a bed of deciduous shrubs or flowering plants, boxwoods are naturals. Their small, glossy leaves have just the right density, and they are easy to clip, responding by growing denser and denser the more often you trim. As all-round structural plants, they are hard to beat.
Why are my boxwoods turning brown?
In some parts of the country a nasty disease called Boxwood Blight is spreading in warmer, humid parts of the country. This virus disease turns the leaves brown, and it kills plants too. So even in warmer parts of the country gardeners are planting those hardier Korean and hybrid varieties, because it turns out they are a lot less susceptible to this disease than the traditional English and American boxwoods. Choose wisely and continue to enjoy the special look that only boxwoods bring to the garden.
What is the best boxwood for a small hedge?
Choose either of these boxwoods if you live in warmer areas, from zone 6 up, and choose the right one for the scale of your design. English Boxwood is perfect for small hedges and for clipped balls, such as you might put into pots to frame a doorway. American Boxwood is a good choice for taller clipped shapes, and for taller hedges too.
What is the Korean Boxwood plant called?
Forms coming from Korea and China showed themselves to be hardier than ones from Japan, and at first these were called Buxus microphylla var. sinica, or Korean Boxwood. However, botanists will be botanists, so these days it is more correct to call this plant Buxus sinica var. insularis. So when you see these two names on different plants, remember that they are actually the same thing under different names – it can be confusing!
What is the best boxwood for a Korean garden?
A particularly good choice of Korean Boxwood is the variety ‘Franklin’s Gem’ . It is more compact, with tiny leaves, and makes perfect round balls that rival the English boxwood for density and neatness.
Is boxwood a dwarf shrub?
This name means ‘little leaf’, and this boxwood is often called ‘little-leaf boxwood’. This is a dwarf shrub, normally growing no more than 3 feet tall, but it is a full zone har dier than the European boxwood, so it is ideal in colder parts, perfectly hardy in zone 5, and usually hardy in zone 4, with very little winter damage.
pix - Anybody know why some boxwood is light green?
We have several planters bordered by a boxwood hedge. Two of the bushes are staying a bright green compared to the others. Would this be a matter of how much light they get? All the planters get varying amounts of sunlight.
Comments (11)
Well, I can't really tell for sure from the photo due to the way it's framed and the distances, but it kind of looks to me like the two at this end, which are lighter in color, also have larger foliage. Which lends me to believe that they are a different variety or possibly even a different species.
WHAT ABOUT BOXWOOD BLIGHT?
Leaves affected by boxwood blight. Photo Courtesy of A. Windham / University of Tennessee.
What is the pH of boxwood?
Boxwood bushes are extremely flexible and can adapt to various types of well-drained soils. Ideal soil pH is 6.5 to 7. For more on proper soil preparation and how to adjust your pH if needed, read Garden Soil 101.
How to use boxwood hedges?
One of the most versatile plants in any landscape, the opportunities to use them are nearly endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1 Create a border along a property line, walkway or garden bed. 2 Cover up unsightly foundation lines. 3 Add structured elements to an otherwise natural-style or informal garden. 4 Define outdoor spaces with low or medium boxwood hedges. 5 Excellent choice for year-round container displays. 6 Accentuate entrances, driveways or gateways with manicured specimens. 7 Add curve-appeal with clipped spheres in square beds. 8 Add some whimsy to your garden, patio or porch with a fun topiary shape. 9 Plant with companions such as spirea, maiden grass, coneflower, liatris, Oso Easy® roses, rhododendrons and peonies.
What is the best shrub for a garden?
One of the most versatile shrubs, boxwoods bring year-round color to the garden. Their evergreen foliage brightens dreary winter landscapes, provides structure to both formal and informal gardens, and can be shaped into tightly clipped geometric forms or whimsical shapes.
How to tell if a plant has a fungus?
One of the first signs is light to dark brown circles with darker borders on the leaves. Plants drop their leaves quickly after being infected, so this stage is often missed. Dark brown to black streaks may also appear on stems.
What color are acorns?
Color and characteristics: Mainly grown for their foliage; their leaves grow opposite, are lance-shaped to almost rounded, and are leathery to the touch. Many have darker blue-green foliage, others a paler green, and some have variegated leaves.
How tall does a wintergreen shrub grow?
This compact shrub is normally grown to 2 to 3 feet, but can reach up to 5 feet over many years. ‘Wintergreen' is an extremely hardy variety good for northern climates.

Small Leaved Cultivars
Japanese Cultivars
- These are broadleaf, evergreen boxwoods that will pique interest in your garden during all four seasons. The Japanese buxus are popular because they are easily maintained and they remain green the entire year. The varieties that fall under this category are great for small topiary, hedges, foundations, and formal plantings. Because of how they grow together, they provide an …
Korean Cultivars
- Korean boxwood (formerly known as Buxus microphylla var. Koreana) are very popular because they are cold-hardy plants. The many branches of these dense and thick plants are covered with finely textured evergreen leaves that make them appealing all year round. They are are green during the summer, and in the winter, begin to take on a bronze cast. T...
Common Cultivars
- Common boxwood varieties (Buxus sempervirens) are the perfect all-around group of plants that can thrive for up to 100 years or more. If common cultivars are not cared for properly, they can grow very large and unruly. These shrubs grow faster than their slow-growing dwarf counterparts. The varieties can grow in anything, from full sun to full shade, depending on the specific cultivar …
Hybrid Cultivars
- Hybrids are shrubs with complex and extended lineages. Boxwoods, in general, are excellent, low-growing, evergreen shrubs that offer the homeowner any number of varieties for an even greater number of design concepts. The primary rationale for combining the parentage of different types of boxwood was to ensure that homeowners could garner the benefit of the cold-hardy vari…