Boxwood.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Shrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide over many years.

Growth rate

slow

Hardiness

USDA 5 to 9

Bloom time

Spring

Care

Boxwood prefers well-drained soil and consistent moisture. It tolerates pruning very well, making it ideal for shaping, but avoid pruning during extreme heat or drought to prevent stress.

Watering

Water regularly, especially when young and during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Pruning

Prune in late spring or early summer after the main growth flush to shape and maintain desired form.

Repotting

Young plants may need repotting every 2-5 years; older plants are often container-grown and can be root-pruned or top-dressed instead.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0).

Temperature

-23.3 to 28.9°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Harmful if swallowed; may cause nausea and vomiting.

Pets

Harmful if ingested; can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Edibility

This plant is not edible and may be toxic if ingested.

How to identify it

• Small, oval, leathery leaves.
• Leaves are glossy green.
• Opposite leaf arrangement.
• Small, inconspicuous flowers.
• Dense, twiggy growth habit.

Height

1.8 to 4.5m

Spread

0.9 to 3m

Leaves

Green, evergreen

Flowers

Greenish-yellow

Common problems

• Boxwood Blight — A fungal disease causing leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback.
• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and can lead to yellowing and fine webbing.
• Boxwood Leaf Miner — Larvae tunnel within leaves, causing blisters and eventual leaf drop.
• Winter Injury — Damage from cold, wind, or sunscald can cause browning or dieback of foliage.

Growing it

Propagation

Cuttings, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant boxwood with companions that appreciate similar light conditions and well-draining soil, avoiding those that compete heavily for resources.

Grows well with

• Lavender — Lavender's fragrant spikes and drought tolerance complement boxwood's structure, and they share similar light needs.
• Rosemary — Rosemary's upright form and aromatic foliage pair well with boxwood's dense habit, and both prefer well-drained soil.
• Dwarf Conifers — Dwarf conifers provide year-round texture and color contrast to the solid green of boxwood.

Keep away from

• Boxwood Leaf Miner — This pest actively damages boxwood, feeding on the leaves and causing significant decline.
• Volutella Blight — This fungal disease can cause dieback and is often exacerbated by poor air circulation and wet conditions.
• Extremely Poorly Drained Soil — Boxwood roots are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions.

Similar species

• Japanese Boxwood — Similar in habit and use but often has smaller leaves and can be more tolerant of heat and drought.
• Littleleaf Boxwood — Another variety of Japanese Boxwood, known for its compact growth and tolerance to a range of conditions.

Science

Family

Buxaceae

Genus

Buxus

Order

Buxales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.

Boxwood is a resilient plant that typically thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions.

Uses

Hedges, Topiary, Foundation planting, Ornamental shrub

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I keep my boxwood from turning yellow?

Yellowing can be caused by over or under-watering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiency. Ensure proper watering practices and consider a soil test if problems persist.

Can boxwood grow in full shade?

While it tolerates shade, boxwood grows best with some sun exposure. Too much shade can lead to sparser growth and reduced disease resistance.

How do I prune boxwood for a formal hedge?

Prune in late spring or early summer, taking care to make the base slightly wider than the top to allow light penetration.

Is boxwood suitable for containers?

Yes, boxwood does well in containers, but ensure the pot has excellent drainage and water more frequently than in-ground plants.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Buxus' comes from the Greek word for box, referring to the plant's wood. 'Sempervirens' is Latin for 'evergreen', describing its persistent foliage.

Good to know

• Its dense wood was historically used for carving and making musical instruments.
• Boxwood is incredibly long-lived, with some specimens in old gardens being centuries old.
• It's a popular choice for creating formal parterre gardens.
• The name 'Buxus' is derived from the Greek word for 'box'.