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Buxus 'Green Velvet'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BUK-sus
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

'Green Velvet' boxwood is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family that can easily be shaped into a formal hedge or topiary. Buxus is the Latin name for boxwood or box tree. Originally from Europe and Asia, boxwoods are one of the oldest known garden plants, dating back to 4000 BC. ‘Green Velvet’ was developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries. The common name of boxwood refers to the wood used to make carved decorative boxes. Another etymology is that boxwood describes the square stems of its young plants.

This hybrid combines the hardiness and compactness of the Korean boxwood with the velvety deep green foliage of the English boxwood. The rounded shrub or small tree grows best in a mixture of sand and clay soil, receiving both sun and shade. Plants grown in full shade will have decreased foliage. On the other hand, when growing in full sun, the foliage may scorch, turn brown in winter, and suffer from mite attacks. Morning sun is best.

'Green Velvet' is tolerant of pruning; however, pruning should be done after the last frost. Pruning will lead to tender new shoots, which can be damaged by a late frost. Its shallow roots should be protected with a layer of mulch. Limit cultivation around these shallow roots, as it can damage the plant. Protect from winds and full winter sun by placing in a location where these conditions are limited. Winter winds can cause dehydration and bronzing, although 'Green Velvet' has good resistance to bronzing. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. Thinning plants annually will assist with air circulation. 

Site ‘Green Velvet’ in a lawn or along a walkway as an accent, border, hedge, or foundation planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant, as well as most boxwood, is susceptible to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be an issue in wet locations. Insects affecting boxwood include boxwood leaf miner, boxwood mite, and boxwood psyllid. Nematodes are an issue in the deep south.

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

More information on Buxus.

Profile Video:
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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#shrub#accent plant#rabbit resistant#topiary#deer resistant#formal garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shrub borders#lawn planting#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#shrub#accent plant#rabbit resistant#topiary#deer resistant#formal garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shrub borders#lawn planting#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Buxus
    Family:
    Buxaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract bees
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Insignificant, not often visible
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy clusters of pale green to cream colored flowers
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Good resistance to bronzing, deep green simple opposite elliptical to ovate leaves with smooth margins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Square
    Stem Description:
    New stems green, mature to brown, square shape.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    English Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea; Horses: colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, seizures
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No