Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

BUXUS harlandii

Image of Buxus harlandii

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Buxaceae

Botanical Name

BUXUS harlandii

Plant Common Name

Harland's Boxwood

General Description

Slow growing and tender, Harland's boxwood is a rounded, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to southern China. It attains a broad vase-shaped form when mature. In American nurseries there are many plants sold as Buxus harlandii , which are actually Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica).

Harland’s boxwood is larger than most classic boxwoods. It has small somewhat elongated oval leaves that are rich green, glossy and notched at the apex. These densely cover its thicket of branches. The new foliage appears early in spring and sometimes gets nipped by late frost. It is not attractive to foraging deer, but its clusters of fragrant, small, pale yellow flowers are like manna to bees.

Well adapted to heat and humidity, Harland's boxwood has limited cold tolerance and is best suited to areas no colder than USDA zone 7. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soils and benefits from mulching to keep its roots moist. Its dense foliage rarely, if ever, needs pruning. As with other boxwoods, this species can suffer from leaf scald if too exposed to cold drying winds and full sun in winter, so be sure to plant it in relatively protected areas. It is an ideal shrub for foundations, shrub borders and hedges.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Width

    4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    China

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Slow

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Light Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No