Buxus microphylla var. japonica

Common Name(s):

Japanese Boxwood

Phonetic Spelling

BUK-sus my-kroh-FY-lah vah-RY-eh-tee jah-PON-ih-kah

This plant has low severity poison characteristics.

Description

Evergreen shrub to 6.5', loose and rounded. Prefers well-drained soil with slight acidity to slight alkalinity in dappled to partial shade. It can grown in full shade but will become leggy and sparsely foliated. It is a slow growing shrub and sensitive to over-fertilization. Drought, deer, rabbit, and nematode resistant. New growth may be injured by frost.

Commonly seen as a houseplant or in an interiorscape. In the landscape, it works well as a low hedge, foundation plant, edging, or shrub border. It is very tolerant of pruning ad sheering but do not prune before the last spring frost date or new growth will be damaged. Propagate by stem cutting or the plant will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.

Quick ID Hints:

Leaves opposite, apex rounded or notched
Stems square and winged (decurrent petiole)
Midrib with white cottony pubescence below
Leaves about one inch long and often as broad

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant can be challenging to grow. Boxwoodmites and leaf miners can affect stressed plants. Blight and leaf spot can affect plants. Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil. Foliage burns in hot summer suns or harsh winter winds.

Attributes:
Genus:

Buxus

Species:

microphylla

Family:

Buxaceae

Uses (Ethnobotany):

Wood was used to make boxes, hence the common name.

Life Cycle:

Woody

Recommended Propagation Strategy:

Seed

Stem Cutting

Country Or Region Of Origin:

Japan

Dimensions:

Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 6 in.

Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Poisonous

Shrub

Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all 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

6-feet-12 feet

12-24 feet

Usda Plant Hardiness Zone:

6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Fruit:
Fruit Type:

Capsule

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Cream/Tan

Green

Flower Inflorescence:

Insignificant

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Petals:

4-5 petals/rays

Flower Description:

Small, green to cream insignificant flowers in axillary clusters, 4-parted. Apetalous (no petals).

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Leaf Color:

Gold/Yellow

Green

Leaf Type:

Simple

Leaf Arrangement:

Opposite

Hairs Present:

No

Leaf Description:

Small, opposite, simple leaves, broadest above the middle. Typically obcordate and just as broad as long, rounded or notched apex; petiole fused to stem (decurrent) with white cottony midrib below. Foliage green, but sometimes has yellowish-green leaves, malodorous.

Stem:
Stem Is Aromatic:

No

Stem Cross Section:

Square

Stem Description:

Square and winged.

Landscape:
Landscape Location:

Houseplants

Design Feature:

Accent

Barrier

Foundation Planting

Hedge

Specimen

Problems:

Contact Dermatitis

Frequent Disease Problems

Frequent Insect Problems

Poisonous to Humans

Poisonous to Humans:
Poison Severity:

Low

Poison Symptoms:

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsions, respiratory failure; contact with cell sap may cause skin irritation

Poison Toxic Principle:

Steroidal alkaloids

Causes Contact Dermatitis:

Yes

Poison Part:

Leaves