Buxus harlandii
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus har-LAND-ee-eye
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Harland boxwood is an evergreen shrub in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family and native to Guangdong province, Hainan Island, and Hong Kong, China. 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. 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.
Harland boxwood grows well in clay, loam, and sandy soils in full to partial sun. It has some drought tolerance and better pest resistance than most boxwoods; however, it has limited cold tolerance. In northern areas, it should be planted in a location protected from strong winds. Winter winds can remove moisture from the leaves, resulting in dehydration and bronzing.
Harland boxwood leafs out early and is tolerant of pruning, which 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. Thinning plants annually will assist with air circulation.
Place Harland boxwood beside a patio or along a walkway as a border, hedge, or foundation plant. It is also appropriate in a drought-tolerant or winter garden. In the deep south, this plant is sometimes grown in containers.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Some susceptibility to leaf spot and boxwood blight which causes premature defoliation and dieback. Richard’ is a cultivar least susceptible to boxwood blight. Poorly drained soils may cause root rot. Susceptible to boxwood leaf miner and boxwood mites. Foliar injury during harsh winters.
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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- 'Richard'
Smaller in size with larger, heart-shaped leaf. least susceptible boxwoods to boxwood blight disease.
- 'Richard'
- 'Richard'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Richard'
Smaller in size with larger, heart-shaped leaf. least susceptible boxwoods to boxwood blight disease.
- 'Richard'
- 'Richard'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Species:
- harlandii
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China (Guangdong, Hong Kong) and Hainan
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Resistant to leafminers, deer
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Multi-stemmed
- Rounded
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- 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
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Inconspicuous and not showy.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Fragrant non-showy, creamy yellow. Staminate flowers are stalked by pisilate one are sessile.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblanceolate
- Oblong
- Obovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Leathery, lustrous, dark green leaves. Each leaf is acute at the base and has an indentation at the tip. Leaves are thinner than other boxwood species.
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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:
- Patio
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Insect Pests
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
