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Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BUK-sus sem-per-VEE-renz
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

‘Suffruticosa’ is a slow growing true dwarf cultivar of English boxwood in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family.  These easy to grow densely woody evergreen rounded shrubs reach 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide. 

It grows best in evenly moist, well-drained loamy soil in full sun to part shade. Though it can grow in a range of soil types and survive in close to full shade, it will be less vigorous and have decreased foliage than if grown in optimal conditions. Growing in full sun is likely to cause the foliage to scorch in winter. Morning sun is best as well as protection from strong winds. 

English boxwood 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 cold temperatures. Its shallow roots should be protected with a layer of mulch. Limit cultivation around these shallow roots as it can damage the plant. 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. This shrub is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

In the landscape, use it in a mass planting along walkways, foundations, or as a low hedge. It can be grown in a container or as a specimen. Being evergreen, it makes a nice addition to a winter garden or a cottage garden.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Box red spider mite, box sucker, and mussel scale are occasional insect problems. Leaf spot and boxwood blight are occasional disease problems. 

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

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

More information on Buxus sempervirens.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#easy to grow#slow growing#bonsai#winter interest#dwarf#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#year-round interest#topiary#deer resistant#formal garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#container plant#low hedge#patio#hedge#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#specimen#easy to grow#slow growing#bonsai#winter interest#dwarf#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#year-round interest#topiary#deer resistant#formal garden#walkway planting#small group plantings#compact habit#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#container plant#low hedge#patio#hedge#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Buxus
    Species:
    sempervirens
    Family:
    Buxaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    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)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Orange
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Soft
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Orange
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Lustrous, soft dark green ovate leaves, light green to yellowish on the underside of the leaf. May develop an orange-green cast in winter.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Lawn
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea; Horses: colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, seizures
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No