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BUXUS microphylla

Image of Buxus microphylla

Felder Rushing

Family

Buxaceae

Botanical Name

BUXUS microphylla

Plant Common Name

Boxwood, Littleleaf Boxwood

General Description

Littleleaf boxwood is a dense, rounded broadleaf evergreen shrub known for its tolerance to pruning, making it great plant for hedges and topiary. It has small, oval, deep green foliage which turns yellow or brownish (bronze) in winter. The tiny fragrant flowers are often visited by bees.

Cultivated in Asia since the 1400s, littleleaf boxwood is no longer found in the wild and is today considered of a manmade garden origin. Very adapted to heat and humidity, it grows best in partial sun and well-drained soils and benefits from mulching to keep its roots cool and moist. Full sun and dry soil is a combination that degrades this plant. Cold drying winter wins along with sun can scald and kill boxwoods in colder regions. There are many cultivars available, varying in form such as the upright 'Faulkner', the low mounded 'True Spreader' and the very hardy Japanese varieties.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Broadleaf Evergreen

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Width

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

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

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow Green, Bronze

  • Bark Color

    Green, 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

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Foundation, Hedges, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No