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Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood (English Boxwood)

A good choice for hedging or topiary as it prunes very well. Small, round, green leaves on a more or less rounded form.

  • »  Insignificant, greenish-yellow-cream flowers are fragrant
  • »  Medium-sized, glossy, dark green leaves turn a bronzy colour in the fall
  • »  Upright, pyramidal habit
  • »  Bloom Time: Early spring

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Exposure
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Growth Rate
Slow
Attributes
Drought Tolerant
Evergreen
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Flowering Time
Early Spring
Habit
Rounded
Upright
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape uses
Border/edging
Hedge
Rock garden
Specimen
Planting instructions
Container Plants
Additional Information about Buxus sempervirens

Notable specimens can be found at The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden, Strathroy, Ontario. Approximately 200, named cultivars have been developed and introduced from this species in varying forms. The common name is a reference to the use of the plant's wood to make boxes.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus sempervirens

Grows best with cool, moist roots, and mid-afternoon shade. These boxwoods can tolerate full sun to partial shade, dry to drought conditions, and a range of soil types. They can be pruned any time of the year, and can be used for topiary, hedging and stand-alone specimens. Young plants benefit from winter protection (burlap wrap) in an exposed location. Damage or stem breakage may occur in the winter from ice and snow accumulation.