Tree Boxwood Buxus sempervirens 'Arborescens'
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus sem-per-VEE-renz
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Tree boxwood 'Arborescens', is an upright, woody, broadleaf, evergreen, perennial shrub or tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. 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.
Location and maintenance of this plant can have an effect on its health. The tree boxwood will grow in morning sun or partial shade. Plants grown in full shade will be less than desired, having decreased foliage. In afternoon sun the foliage may scorch, turn brown in winter, and suffer from mite attacks. Boxwood tolerates a variety of soil textures as long as they drain well and the pH level is acidic or neutral. Limit cultivation around its shallow roots and protect them with a layer of mulch. Also protect them from winter winds which can cause dehydration and bronzing of the leaves.
Tree boxwood 'Arborescens' 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. Propagate boxwood by stem cutting.
Being a medium to large shrub, tree boxwood is ideal for shaping into a ball or cone for use as a hedge or topiary. Its dense, tree-like growth, and large, long leaves also make it a good screening plant for large areas. Plant in small groups or as a mass planting sheered into a privacy hedge in a formal English or cottage garden, or use it along a walkway to direct garden visitors.
Quick ID Hints:
- Stems are green and square with distinct edges.
- The bark is green to light gray.
- Length of the leaves can be one to three inches.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Tree boxwood can be a problem for cats, dogs, and horses if consumed. It can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs; colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and seizures for horses.
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.
- 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
- Species:
- sempervirens
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer resistant
- Dimensions:
- Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- 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)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Globose, 1/3 inch dehiscent capsule that matures to brown.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Opposite, dark green, lustrous leaves that are twice as long as wide with pinnate venation. May develop an orange-green cast in winter.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Green
- Light Gray
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- English Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Small Tree
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
