Variegated Boxwood Buxus sempervirens 'Elegantissima'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Variegated Boxwood:
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus sem-per-VEE-renz
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Buxus sempervirens, commonly called Elegans Boxwood or Varigated Boxwood, grows best in a mixture of sand/clay soil, and receiving both sun and shade. Plants grown in full shade will be less than desired, having decreased foliage. On the other hand, when growing in full sun, the foliage may scorch, turn brown in winter and suffer from mite attacks. Morning sun is best.
'Elegantissima' 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. '
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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- 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:
- Leaf Cutting
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Mounding
- Rounded
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Dehiscent capsule that matures to bown.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy, apetalous flowers in clusters are pale green to yellow to creamy white.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Dark glossy green above and yellowish-green below.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
