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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Mature Buxus harlandii have some drought tolerance and better pest resistance than most boxwoods, however, 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 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, it can damage the plant. Location and maintenance of this plant can have an effect on its health. Protect from winds and full winter sun by placing in a location where these conditions are limited. Winter winds can cause dehydration and bronzing. Remove any accumulated snow to protect the branches. Thinning plants annually will assist with air circulation.
This variety leafs out early.
In the deep south, this plant is sometimes grown in containers.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:
Some susceptibility to leaf spot and to leaf spot and boxwood blight that causes premature defoliation and dieback. Poorly drained soils may cause root rot. Susceptible to boxwood leaf miner and boxwood mites. Foliar injury during harsh winters.
'Richard' cultivar is one of the least susceptible boxwoods to boxwood blight disease.
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:
-
- 'Richard'
Smaller in size with larger, heart-shaped leaf
- 'Richard'
- 'Richard'
- Tags:



- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Richard'
Smaller in size with larger, heart-shaped leaf
- 'Richard'
- 'Richard'
- Tags:
-
-
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, 9b, 9a
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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