American Boxwood, Boxwood, Common Box, Common Boxwood, European Box

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Common Name: American Boxwood, Boxwood, Common Box, Common Boxwood, European Box

Botanical Name: Buxus spp.

Category: Shrub

Lifecycle: Perennial

USDA Symbol: BUXUS

Hardiness Zones: 5A – 9B

Sun: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun per day) , Partial shade (2-4 hours of sun per day)

Water: Medium

Soil: Adaptable

pH: Slightly Acidic (6.1-6.5)

Height: 2 to 20 ft

Spread: 2 to 15 ft

Spacing: 4 to 12 ft

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Bloom Color(s): Golden, Yellow, White

Leaf Shape: Obovate

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite

Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Fruit: Dehiscent

Fruit Time: Fall

Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil

Plant Description:

American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a low-maintenance round-shaped multi-branched, woody, broadleaf perennial evergreen shrub or small tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. It is native to western and southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. American boxwood has a USDA Hardiness Zone of 5-9. American boxwood has the potential growth of 20 ft. high x 15 ft. wide. The American boxwood grows slowly with a dense, multi-stemmed, and rounded habit. The leaves are gray/silver, green, or orange with a glossy, leathery, and smooth feel. The 1-3 inch long, less than 1 inch wide leaves are simple, with entire leaf margins, in an opposite leaf arrangement. The stems are brown or green with a square stem cross-section. Small, insignificant, cream/tan, or gold/yellow fragrant flowers appear in the spring. A small brown/copper-colored fruit appears in the fall. American boxwood requires full sun or partial shade. Each American boxwood requires at least 12 ft. The plant is adaptable to a wide variety of soil textures including clay, loam, sand, and high organic matter. The leaves are mildly poisonous due to a steroidal alkaloid. Prolonged contact with the leaves may cause contact dermatitis. Cats, dogs, and horses are at moderate risk. American boxwood is well-adapted for containers and along walkways. American boxwood can be an accent feature, a border, mass planting, or a privacy screen.

Propagation & Planting:

Each American boxwood requires at least 12 ft. The shrub is well adapted for a variety of soil textures including clay, loam and sand. American boxwood grows best in full sun, but will tolerate a partial sun exposure. The soil bed should have good drainage. Propagation is by stem cutting.

Plant Care:

American boxwood is a low-maintenance shrub. It should be kept moist but not wet. The shrub does not require staking. Water regularly during the growing season.

Fertilize:

During the growing season top-dress regularly with organic fertilizer or with slow-release fertilizer granules. A 10-10-10 balanced slow-release granular fertilizer is suitable.

Prune:

Routine pruning is not necessary. Dead or damaged branches may be removed at any time. Prune into a desired shape or cut back the scrub to control size in late spring/summer.

Pests & Disease:

Boxwood blight and the Box tree caterpillar are two of the most common problems with Buxus but they are easy to treat. The caterpillars of the Buxus moth can even be treated biologically. Box tree caterpillars are bright green with a blackhead. This Asian butterfly can grow as big as 4 cm. The caterpillars of the Buxus moth can be easily controlled both chemically and biologically. Products based on Bacillus thuriengensis selectively control insect pests without harm to birds or permanent environmental residual effects. Boxwood blight is caused by CALONECTRIA PSEUDONAVICULATA a fungal disease that causes loss of leaves and browning of the boxwood. The disease is controlled by foliar application of systemic fungicides.

Attracts:

Resistances:

Tolerances:

American Boxwood, Boxwood, Common Box, Common Boxwood, European Box

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