Buxus microphylla var. japonica

Japanese boxwood is a fine-textured, loose, and rounded evergreen shrub in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family that grows to 6.5 feet tall. Native to Japan, Buxus is the Latin name for boxwood or box tree. 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 boxwood prefers moist, cool soils, so mulch heavily around the roots. Plant it in well-drained soil with slight acidity to slight alkalinity and dappled to partial shade. It can be grown in full shade but will become leggy and sparsely foliated. Full sun may cause foliage to turn a reddish color. This is a slow growing shrub and sensitive to over fertilization. New growth may be injured by frost. Once established, it is very drought tolerant. It is also deer, rabbit, and nematode resistant. Propagate by stem cutting; the plant also will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.  

Japanese boxwood works well as a specimen or accent in the landscape, and it is also useful in shrub borders or foundation plantings. It is commonly used as edging and in formal hedges so it works well in English or cottage gardens.   

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are opposite, apex rounded or notched
• Stems are square and winged (decurrent petiole)
• Midrib has white cottony pubescence below
• Leaves are about 1inch long and often as broad

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant can be challenging to grow.  Boxwood mites 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. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common boxwood insect pests and diseases.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.