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 'Elegantissima' commonly called Elegans Boxwood or Varigated Boxwood is a mid-sized boxwood that has small bright green leaves with irregular creamy white margins making it a striking accent plant. From a distance, the shrub can appear almost white. It 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:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Deer resistant
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Mounding
- 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:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- 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 Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Dehiscent capsule that matures to bown.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy, apetalous flowers in clusters are pale green to yellow to creamy white. Fragrant flowers for the brief time they are present.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- 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:
- Dark glossy green leaves with irregular white-cream margins.
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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:
- Container
- Lawn
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- English Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
