Boxwood Buxus 'Green Velvet'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Boxwood:
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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'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.
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:
- 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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- 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:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6a, 6b, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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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
- 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
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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.
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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.
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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
