Species boxwood
Green leaves with lime stems.

boxwood

Buxus sempervirens 'Myrtifolia'

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Myrtifolia') is an amazing addition to any landscape, perfect for areas needing year-round greenery. It is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves, and a dense, compact form. The foliage of Boxwood produces a lush backdrop for your garden. Its hardiness and ability to thrive in nearly any type of soil make it ideal for any garden or patio area. In addition to its beautiful leaves, boxwood produces fragrant yellow flowers during the spring. It can easily be pruned and shaped to form hedges, mazes, or creative sculptures in your outdoor space. For many, this small shrub is a must-have to keep their landscape looking magnificent all year round.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Greenwood Cuttings,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish-cream Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Alkaline, Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Myrtifolia') requires regular watering throughout the growing season. During spring and summer, this plant should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In the fall and winter, water this plant deeply only when the soil is completely dry. Always check the soil moisture level with your fingertips or a moisture meter to ensure the plant is getting enough water.

sunlight

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Myrtifolia') does best with about 6 hours of sunlight each day. It should be planted in an area that receives full sun for at least part of the day and also receives some shade during the hottest part of the day. Early morning and late afternoon/evening sunlight is preferable. If the temperatures become too hot, the leaves may start to scorch or turn yellow. Ideally, the sunlight should be dappled or indirect and filtered through trees or other foliage. If planted in a spot with too much direct sun, it is very important to make sure it is well-watered throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

pruning

For boxwoods, pruning should occur once or twice each year. Pruning in late winter or early spring will help maintain size and shape, while pruning in the summer or fall will reduce winter damage. When pruning, remove no more than 1-third of the leaves and branches at any given time. Leaves and branches that cross or rub against 1 another, are longer than the other branches, or are dead, dying, or diseased should all be removed. When done carefully, pruning can promote strong, healthy growth with a desired shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Boxwood typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Boxwood typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Buxus sempervirens 'Myrtifolia' is in the months of June and July.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Boxwood a popular landscape plant?

Yes, Boxwood is a popular landscape plant, due to its versatility in design, hardiness in cold temperatures, attractive foliage and its ability to be pruned into a variety of shapes. It makes an attractive year-round hedge, foundation plant or edging and, if left unpruned, can be grown as a small tree or shrub. Boxwoods can be planted either in the sun or partial shade and are a great addition to gardens of any size.

Are Boxwoods evergreen?

Yes, boxwoods are evergreen. They have deep green foliage and remain an attractive evergreen tree year-round, allowing for a versatile way to add color and structure to outdoor spaces. Boxwoods are also extremely easy to grow, making them a great choice for novice gardeners. Additionally, boxwoods are relatively low maintenance and can handle some light pruning if needed.

Can Boxwoods be trimmed into shapes?

Yes, boxwoods can be trimmed into shapes. With regular maintenance and occasional pruning, they can be cut and shaped into hedges, topiary, round forms and other creative patterns. Pruning them regularly also ensures that they remain healthy and look their best. It is important to trim them with the right tools and techniques in order to keep them healthy, while also achieving the desired shape.

Could Boxwoods be used as a hedge plant?

Yes, boxwoods can be used as a hedge plant. They are low-maintenance, evergreen shrubs that can be trimmed to create uniform hedges or shaped into topiary. Boxwoods are also resistant to disease and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. They are ideal for small to medium hedges and make an attractive backdrop for annual and perennial flowers.

Should Boxwoods be planted in full sun or shade?

It depends on the variety of boxwood you have. Some varieties, such as English boxwood, are best planted in full sun for optimal growth and form. However, other varieties such as American and Korean boxwood do better in partial shade due to the more intense heat of full sun. In areas with long, hot summers and mild winters, provide some shade protection to prevent over-heating and drying out, especially during the hottest times of day.