Buxus sempervirens
American Boxwood
Description
This evergreen shrub produces small, dark green leaves; it has a slow growth pattern growing only 12" per year, reaching heights of 15'-20'. It can be kept at a smaller size with pruning when used as a hedge or topiary. It tolerates full sun to dappled shade and does best in well draining, acidic or alkaline soil that is moist. It becomes drought tolerant when well established.
Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen, Shrub
Height Range
3-6', 6-12', 12-25'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Variegated
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist
Soil pH
Acid, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal
Accenting Features
Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Shrub Border, Lawn, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Hedge, Topiary, Mass Planting, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.