Boxwood Buxus

Buxus is the Latin name for boxwood or box tree. Boxwoods, originally from Europe and Asia, are evergreen shrubs.  They are one of the oldest known garden plants dating back to 4000 BC. Today there are about 150 commercially available species and cultivars of boxwoods with a large variability in hardiness, shape and leaf characteristics.  Boxwoods are best known for their low maintenance, dense growth habit and deer resistance making them a favorite shrub for hedges, topiary and bonsai.

The American boxwood is a spreading shrub or small tree that can grow quite large if not pruned and can be easily shaped into form.  The Littleleaf or Japanese boxwood is a lower growing shrub with bright green, oval leaves and makes a good choice for formal hedges. Dwarf varieties can serve as attractive accents and walkway borders. Most boxwoods are suitable for USDA zones 5-9,  Hybrid boxwood varieties are available that can tolerate cold down to USDA zones 4-5.

Boxwoods are easy to grow, take little maintenance, and are very tolerant of a range of soil types with optimal pH in the 5.5-7.2 range.  They prefer partial or dappled shade but can tolerate full sun.  Some varieties may experience bronzing of the foliage with sun overexposure, particularly in the winter.  While tolerant of some drought, boxwoods should be mulched and irrigated during long dry periods particularly in the first year to prevent stress that may make them susceptible to disease.

This plant is deer and rabbit resistant.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves opposite, apex, or retuse apices
• Stems square
• Leaves with white pubescence along midrib below
• Leaves about 1" long
• Malodorous

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Some susceptibility to leaf spot and boxwood blight that causes premature defoliation and dieback.  Poorly drained soils may cause root rot. Common pests include the boxwood leaf miner, boxwood psyllid, and boxwood mites. In the deep south, nematodes are of concern.

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

For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.

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