Buxus 'Green Mountain'
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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‘Green Mountain’ boxwood is a woody, broadleaf, evergreen shrub or small tree in the Buxaceae family developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries. 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.
It is noted for its dense, upright, pyramidal shape that tends to fill out right to the ground. It is a slow grower and will mature to 2 to 3 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet high. It grows best in partial shade to full sun; morning sun is preferable. It will tolerate a variety of soil textures as long as they drain well.
Protect ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood from winter winds, as they can cause dehydration and bronzing. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. Limit cultivation around the shallow roots as it can damage the plant. Protect the roots with a layer of mulch. Thinning plants annually through pruning will assist air circulation. Prune after the last frost.
‘Green Mountain’ boxwood can easily be shaped into a formal hedge and is sometimes seen pruned to a decorative spiral-shaped topiary. It is common in English gardens and winter gardens and is good for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees.
Quick ID Hints
- Opposite leaf arrangement
- Stems are square with distinct corners
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Moderately susceptible to boxwood blight. 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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Developed in Canada at Sheridan Nurseries
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Pyramidal
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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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:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Insignificant, not often visible
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy clusters at leaf axils that bees find attractive for the short period of flower.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Lustrous deep green glossy simple, opposite, ovate to elliptical leaves with smooth margins 3/4" long.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Description:
- New stems green, mature to brown, square shape with distinct corners.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- English Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Small Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
