Korean Boxwood Buxus sinica
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Buxus microphylla subsp. sinica
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus SIN-ih-kah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Korean Boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen shrub from Asia that can be pruned as a privacy screen, used as a border plant, in a rock garden and even grows well in containers. In colder winters, the leaves may turn bronzy in the winter. The variety 'Wintergreen' has improved winter color for northern climates.
It can be grown in average garden soil with medium moisture and good drainage in full to part sun. Its preference is for moist sandy loam with slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH in part sun.
There are several varieties available.
Problems: Blight and leaf spots. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils.
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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- var. insularis
Hardier - var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers'
Green throughout the winter - var. insularis 'Nana'
Low growing - var. insularis 'Sunburst'
variegated foliage - var. insularis 'Wintergreen'
Maintains better winter color
- var. insularis
- var. insularis, var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers', var. insularis 'Nana', var. insularis 'Sunburst', var. insularis 'Wintergreen'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- var. insularis
Hardier - var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers'
Green throughout the winter - var. insularis 'Nana'
Low growing - var. insularis 'Sunburst'
variegated foliage - var. insularis 'Wintergreen'
Maintains better winter color
- var. insularis
- var. insularis, var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers', var. insularis 'Nana', var. insularis 'Sunburst', var. insularis 'Wintergreen'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Species:
- sinica
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China, Taiwan
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
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-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Spreading
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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:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Insignificant greenish-yellow separate male and female flowers in spring
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Bright green lustrous oblong leaves 1 1/2" long
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Rock Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Hedge
- Screen/Privacy
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
