Buxus sempervirens 'Vardar Valley'

‘Vardar Valley’ boxwood is a woody, broadleaf evergreen, perennial shrub or tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. It is is one of the most cold hardy cultivars of boxwood and has distinctive blue-green leaves.  While this dense, mounding shrub can grow 2 to 3 feet in height and 3 to 6 feet in width it only puts on an average of 2 inches a year. 

Plant in well-drained sandy or clay soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid areas where drainage is poor as this can lead to root rot. Morning sun is best.  Plants grown in full shade suffer in appearance with more sparse foliage. When growing in full sun be mindful of leaf scorch, especially if plants receive reflected heat from hardscape elements.  Protect from winter winds which can cause dehydration and bronzing. Protect shallow roots with a heavy layer of mulch and avoid cultivation around the shallow roots as this can damage the plant. Pruning is tolerated, even heavy pruning but only after the last frost as the new growth is tender and can be easily damaged by cold temperatures.  

‘The new growth on Vardar Valley’ boxwood is powdery blue-green fading to deep green. Pale green or gold non-showy flowers appear in the spring with a delicate fragrance that attracts bees. Plants are resistant to deer and rabbits along with insect pests like leaf miners and mites and the disease boxwood blight.

'Vadar Valley' has branches that extend to the ground making it a good choice for a border front.  Plant it in small groups or prune it into topiaries in formal English or cottage gardens.  Use it along foundations or shear it into a low narrow hedge. This plant can be grown in large containers on a patio or dot it along a sloped area in the landscape. Its evergreen foliage makes a nice addition to a winter garden or a rock garden, and its heady fragrant flowers  or a pollinator garden.  

Quick ID Hints:

• The leaf is glossy with a smooth leathery feel.
• Leaf color is a bluish green.
• The leaf is elliptical or oblong and simple.
• Leaf arrangement is opposite.
• Stem has a square shape instead of round.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Boxwood psyllids are occasional insect problems. Susceptible to leaf spot. New growth is easily damaged by late frosts.

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

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Buxus sempervirens.