Plant DetailShow Menu

Similar but less problematic plants:
Distylium Distylium
Viburnum obovatum 'Raulston Hardy' Viburnum obovatum 'Raulston Hardy'
Buxus 'Green Mountain' is often confused with:
Buxus 'Green Velvet' Buxus 'Green Velvet'
Native alternative(s) for Buxus 'Green Mountain':
Ilex glabra Leaves
Ilex vomitoria Ilex vomitoria
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Buxus 'Green Velvet' Buxus 'Green Velvet'
Buxus microphylla Buxus microphylla
Buxus sempervirens 'Vardar Valley'
Buxus 'Green Mountain' has some common insect problems:
Pests of Boxwood
Boxwood Mite
Boxwood Psyllid
Boxwood Pest Management Calendar
Oystershell Scale Insect on Ornamental Plants

Green Mountain Boxwood Buxus 'Green Mountain'

Other Common Name(s):

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

‘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.

More information on Buxus.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#winter interest#accent plant#rabbit resistant#mass planting#air pollution tolerant#topiary#wind tolerant#deer resistant#glossy leaves#foundation planting#formal garden#small group plantings#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#specimen#winter interest#accent plant#rabbit resistant#mass planting#air pollution tolerant#topiary#wind tolerant#deer resistant#glossy leaves#foundation planting#formal garden#small group plantings#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#hedge
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Pyramidal
    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:
    6-feet-12 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
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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