Buxus sempervirens

American boxwood, or common box, is a broadly rounded, multi-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. It is native to western and southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. The species-specific epithet sempervirens means always green.  

Boxwood is considered a low-maintenance plant. It is shallow rooted and adapts to a wide range of light and soil conditions. Although it can grow slowly up to 15 to 20 feet tall at maturity, it can be kept much shorter through pruning.  While it grows a bit faster and is less troubled by insects than B. microphylla, it is not quite as heat tolerant.

It is best not to plant too deeply and prefers well-drained soil. A few inches of mulch will protect the shallow roots from getting dry and hot. Protect from winds and full winter sun by placing in a location where these conditions are limited, as they can cause dehydration and bronzing. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. Thinning plants annually will assist with light and air circulation.   Do not prune too early in the spring or late in summer.

The young stems of this plant are square in cross section and this feature may have contributed to its common name. The dense foliage has leaves that are a glossy dark green on top with a yellow green underside, and some find it to be malodorous. 

Boxwood may be used as a vertical accent plant, in mixed beds, as topiary, or to form a narrow hedge. Being evergreen, it provides winter interest in the garden.  Height of various cultivars varies widely, so select the cultivar that suits your available space.  It is generally tolerant of rabbits and deer.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are opposite, apex acute to obtuse
• Stems are square and winged with decurrent petioles
• Leaves have white pubescence along midrib below
• Leaves are about 1 inch long and half as wide

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  The plant is susceptible to boxwood blight and leaf spot diseases. Insect pests include leafminer, boxwood mite, and boxwood psyllid.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common boxwood insect pests and diseases.

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Buxus.