Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'
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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Buxus sempervirens grows in evenly moist, well-drained loams (e.g., sand-clay mixture) in full sun to part shade. This plant can grow in close to full shade, but are less vigorous and will have decreased foilage. Growing in full sun is likely to cause the foliage to scorch in winter or bring on mite attacks.
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.
'Suffruticosa' 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.
A true dwarf English boxwood.
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
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Mounding
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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Flowers:
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Non-showy
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Orange
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Lustrous, dark green leaves, light green to yellowish on underside of leaf. May develop an orange-green case in winter.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Walkways
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Specimen
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
