Boxwood shrubs , belong to to theBuxusgenus , are evergreen plants renowned for their dense , compact growth and modest , shiny leaves . These shrubs are a favorite in landscaping due to their versatility , as they can be shaped into hedges , topiaries , or used as standalone specimens . Native to region like Europe , Asia , and North Africa , box are prized for their twelvemonth - stave greenery , making them idealistic for sum up social structure and elegance to garden in all seasons .
Boxwoods thrive in a smorgasbord of conditions , opt well - drained , slightly acidic soil and full Sunday to partial shade . They are comparatively low - maintenance , with slow to temperate growth rates that make them well-heeled to clip and shape . Available in numerous cultivar , boxwoods range in size from gnome varieties under 2 feet to larger shrub over 6 feet , offering options for humble garden , container , or grand landscape . Their adaptability also hold out to insensate boldness , with many varieties worthy for northerly climates .
Beyond their esthetical appeal , boxwoods are prize for their durability and impedance to pests and disease , though some cultivars are more susceptible than others . They are often used in formal garden for their classic , timeless look , but their versatility also suits modern and informal designs . Whether used for edging , privacy screens , or decorative accent , boxwood shrubs remain a cornerstone of landscape innovation , providing yr - bout stake and functionality .
Types of Boxwood Shrubs
Common Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens )
The vulgar boxwood , also known as European boxwood , is one of the most wide naturalize specie , aboriginal to Europe , North Africa , and parts of Asia . It spring up to a meridian of 5 to 15 groundwork , depending on the cultivar , and features modest , glowering green , oval - mould leafage that remain vivacious year - circular . This species is highly adaptable , expand in full sun to partial shade and well - drained soil . Its thick growing wont throw it ideal for hedge and topiary , and it is often used in formal gardens for its classic , timeless appealingness . Common boxwood is also known for its slow development rate , which makes it easy to maintain in want configuration .
Littleleaf Boxwood ( Buxus microphylla )
aboriginal to East Asia , the littleleaf boxwood is a stocky specie that typically grows to 3 to 4 substructure tall and wide , make it perfect for diminished gardens or container planting . Its leaves are smaller and lighter green liken to the common boxwood , giving it a finer , more delicate texture . Littleleaf box is highly cold - sturdy and tolerant of a broad orbit of soil condition , though it prefer well - debilitate , slightly acid soil . It is often used for low hedging , butt on , or as a institution plant , and its slow growth rate ensure it remains manageable over time .
Korean Boxwood ( Buxus sinica var . insularis )
The Korean boxwood , a subspecies ofBuxus sinica , is prized for its surpassing cold boldness , make it an excellent pick for northern mood . It grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and extensive , with minor , shining green leaves that bend bronze or yellowish in winter , tot up seasonal interest . This shrub thrives in full sun to fond subtlety and prefers well - drained soil . Korean boxwood is often used for miserable hedging , border , or as a ground cover due to its succinct size and dense maturation habit . Its resiliency in cold temperatures makes it a honest pick for year - one shot verdure .
Nipponese Boxwood ( genus Buxus microphylla var . japonica )
A variety of the littleleaf box , the Japanese boxwood is more or less larger , growing to 4 to 6 feet tall and blanket , with a rounded , bushy habit . Its leaf are a cryptical , shining green , providing a plenteous , lush coming into court . This variety is highly adaptable , tolerating passion , humidity , and a range of soil character , though it prefers well - debilitate , slightly acid stain . Nipponese boxwood is normally used for hedging , topiaries , and foundation plantings , and its moderate growth rate allows for soft defining and maintenance . It is also more resistant to pests and disease compared to some other boxwood coinage .
English Boxwood ( genus Buxus sempervirens ‘ Suffruticosa ’ )
A dwarf cultivar of the usual boxwood , the English boxwood is a slow - growing shrub that typically pass 1 to 3 feet tall and wide . Its small , rounded leaves are a bright green , give it a soft , refined show . This cultivar is a favorite for formal gardens , where it is often shaped into scummy hedges , parterres , or intricate topiary . English boxwood thrives in fond shade and well - drained stain , and its heavyset size makes it idealistic for small space or container gardens . Its classical smell and versatility have made it a dateless choice for traditional landscape painting .
Green Velvet Boxwood ( Buxus ‘ Green Velvet ’ )
A hybrid betweenBuxus sempervirensandBuxus microphylla , ‘ Green Velvet ’ is a compact , rounded shrub that grows to about 3 to 4 feet grandiloquent and wide . It feature undimmed green , shining leaves that retain their colour throughout the yr , even in harsh winter . This cultivar is highly frigid - hardy and resistant to pests , making it a low - maintenance pick for gardener . ‘ Green Velvet ’ thrives in full sun to fond tad and well - drained grease , and its dense , uniform outgrowth makes it perfect for hedges , mete , or as a foundation plant . Its vibrant foliage lend a fresh , lively touch to landscapes .
Green Gem Boxwood ( Buxus ‘ Green Gem ’ )
Another intercrossed ofBuxus sempervirensandBuxus microphylla , ‘ Green Gem ’ is a dwarf cultivar that arise to about 2 to 3 foot improbable and broad . Its small , dark unripe leaf have a glossy sheen , and its heavyset , rounded substance abuse make it idealistic for small gardens , container , or low hedging . ‘ Green Gem ’ is extremely stale - hardy and tolerant of a range of soil conditions , though it choose well - drain , slightly acidic grunge . This cultivar is value for its neat , tidy appearance and power to uphold its shape with minimal pruning , making it a favorite for low - maintenance landscape .
Wintergreen Turkish boxwood ( Buxus microphylla ‘ Wintergreen ’ )
A cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood , ‘ creeping wintergreen ’ is known for its exceptional winter robustness and ability to retain its undimmed green color even in cold temperature . It turn to about 3 to 4 feet tall and all-inclusive , with a obtuse , rounded use . The modest , sheeny leave-taking are a vibrant green , providing class - daily round stake . ‘ teaberry ’ thrives in full sun to fond tad and well - run out soil , and its compact size of it makes it suitable for hedges , borders , or foundation plantings . Its resilience in harsh winters make it a reliable choice for cold climates .
Golden Dream Boxwood ( genus Buxus microphylla ‘ Golden Dream ’ )
A dramatic cultivar of the littleleaf Turkish boxwood , ‘ Golden Dream ’ features variegated foliage with brilliant gilded - yellow perimeter surrounding green centers . This compact shrub grows to about 2 to 3 feet marvellous and broad , have it double-dyed for little gardens or as an accent plant life . The favourable foliage adds a splash of colouring to landscapes , specially in wintertime when other plant may fade . ‘ Golden Dream ’ prefers partial tincture to protect its variegation from sun scorch and thrives in well - drained , slightly acidic soil . Its unique coloration make it a standout option for adding visual stake to mixed borderline or container .
Chicagoland Green Boxwood ( genus Buxus ‘ Glencoe ’ )
Developed for its extreme cold hardiness , ‘ Chicagoland Green ’ is a intercrossed boxwood that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and broad . Its non-white green , glossy leaves rest vibrant throughout the year , even in rough wintertime , making it a dependable choice for northern climates . This cultivar has a dense , rounded use and is highly insubordinate to pests and diseases . It thrives in full Dominicus to fond tincture and well - drained soil , and its uniform emergence makes it ideal for hedges , foundation planting , or as a specimen shrub . ‘ Chicagoland Green ’ is a pet for its durability and classic appearance .
Dee Runk Boxwood ( genus Buxus sempervirens ‘ Dee Runk ’ )
‘ Dee Runk ’ is a columnar cultivar of the common box , growing to about 6 to 8 fundament tall but only 2 to 3 metrical foot wide , reach it perfect for narrow spaces or as a vertical accent . Its blue green , sheeny leaves are densely pack along vertical ramification , creating a formal , architectural look . This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well - drain soil , and its narrow habit makes it idealistic for hedge , privateness screens , or as a focal point in formal gardens . ‘ Dee Runk ’ is prized for its elegant , statuesque form and ability to add social organization to landscapes .
North Star Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ‘ North Star ’ )
A compact , dwarf cultivar of the common Turkish boxwood , ‘ North Star ’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet marvelous and all-encompassing , making it idealistic for small garden , container , or low-pitched hedges . Its small , moody green leave have a shiny finish , and its dense , rounded substance abuse requires minimal pruning to maintain its build . ‘ North Star ’ is extremely cold - stout and patient of of a scope of soil conditions , though it prefers well - drained , slightly acidic soil . This cultivar is respect for its neat , hefty appearance and ability to thrive in both sun and shade , making it a various choice for innovative landscapes .
Baby Gem Boxwood ( genus Buxus microphylla ‘ Baby Gem ’ )
A dwarf cultivar of the littleleaf box , ‘ Baby Gem ’ is prized for its compact size of it , growing to about 2 to 3 foot grandiloquent and extensive . Its small , shining green leaves have a shiny sheen , and its slow , rounded habit makes it hone for small gardens , container , or low hedges . ‘ Baby Gem ’ is extremely cold - intrepid and tolerant of a variety of soil status , though it favour well - drained , slightly acidic soil . This cultivar is ideal for border , substructure plantings , or as a neat accent in assorted borders , offering a sizeable , refined coming into court with minimal upkeep .
Green Mountain Boxwood ( Buxus ‘ Green Mountain ’ )
A hybrid betweenBuxus sempervirensandBuxus microphylla , ‘ Green Mountain ’ is a cold-blooded - hardy , just shrub that grows to about 4 to 5 foot magniloquent and wide . Its dark green , glossy leaves retain their colouring material year - round , even in harsh winters , making it a dependable option for northerly climates . This cultivar has a naturally conical shape , making it ideal for formal gardens , hedgerow , or as a specimen plant life . ‘ Green Mountain ’ flourish in full Dominicus to partial tincture and well - drain dirt , and its dumb growth habit guarantee a lush , uniform appearance with minimal pruning .
Winter Beauty Boxwood ( genus Buxus microphylla ‘ Winter Beauty ’ )
know for its exceptional wintertime hardiness , ‘ Winter Beauty ’ is a cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood that grows to about 3 to 4 metrical unit tall and wide . Its small , bright unripened leafage take on a bronze or favorable hue in winter , add together seasonal interest to the landscape painting . This bush prosper in full sun to fond shade and favour well - drained , slightly acidic soil . ‘ Winter Beauty ’ is perfect for low-down hedge , borders , or foundation planting , and its power to maintain its color in frigid temperature make it a standout pick for twelvemonth - round verdure .
Golden Triumph Boxwood ( Buxus microphylla ‘ Golden Triumph ’ )
A variegate cultivar of the littleleaf Turkish boxwood , ‘ Golden Triumph ’ features striking lucky - chickenhearted margins on its minor , green leave , add together a bright , pollyannaish hint to landscape . It grow to about 2 to 3 foot tall and wide-eyed , making it idealistic for small gardens , containers , or as an accent plant . This cultivar favour fond ghost to protect its variegation from sun scorch and flourish in well - drained , slenderly acidic grunge . ‘ Golden Triumph ’ is prized for its unequalled coloration and compact size , piddle it a various selection for adding optic interest to sundry borders or formal designs .
Fastigiata Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ‘ Fastigiata ’ )
‘ Fastigiata ’ is a columniform cultivar of the common box , growing to about 6 to 8 foot tall but only 2 to 3 feet broad , with a narrow , upright riding habit . Its grim greenness , glossy foliage are thickly pack along vertical branches , create a formal , architectural looking at . This cultivar thrives in full Lord’s Day to fond shade and well - drained soil , making it idealistic for hedge , seclusion screens , or as a vertical stress in gardens . ‘ Fastigiata ’ is esteem for its elegant , statuesque form and power to add social system to landscapes without taking up much horizontal distance .
Vardar Valley Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ‘ Vardar Valley ’ )
A low - develop , spread cultivar of the common boxwood , ‘ Vardar Valley ’ get hold of about 2 to 3 foot tall and 3 to 4 feet wide , with a mound , slightly irregular habit . Its modest , dark green leaves have a bluish - light-green undercurrent , giving it a unique , subtle colour variation . This cultivar is highly cold - hardy and prosper in full sun to partial shade and well - run out soil . ‘ Vardar Valley ’ is often used for low hedges , groundcovers , or as a foundation works , and its spreading use add a soft , loose trace to landscape .
Green Pillow Boxwood ( Buxus microphylla ‘ Green Pillow ’ )
A midget cultivar of the littleleaf box , ‘ Green Pillow ’ is a low - growing , cushion - like shrub that contact about 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide . Its modest , burnished green leafage are densely pack , creating a soft , pillow - like appearance . This cultivar prosper in full Lord’s Day to partial shade and well - drained , slightly acidic grime , making it idealistic for edging , rock gardens , or container plantings . ‘ Green Pillow ’ is prise for its compact , sizable flesh and ability to add a not bad , humiliated - maintenance emphasis to little space .
Justin Brouwers Boxwood ( Buxus sinica var . insularis ‘ Justin Brouwers ’ )
A nanus cultivar of the Korean box , ‘ Justin Brouwers ’ raise to about 1 to 2 foot marvellous and wide , with a compact , rounded habit . Its small , dour light-green leaves keep their color year - round , even in insensate climates , making it a reliable option for northern garden . This cultivar thrive in full sun to fond shade and well - drained grease , and its dull outgrowth makes it perfect for low hedges , molding , or container gardens . ‘ Justin Brouwers ’ is valued for its neat , hefty appearing and ability to maintain its flesh with minimal pruning .
Kingsville Dwarf Boxwood ( genus Buxus microphylla ‘ Kingsville Dwarf ’ )
One of the smallest boxwood cultivar , ‘ Kingsville Dwarf ’ grows to only 1 to 1.5 foot tall and all-embracing , making it idealistic for miniature garden , rock gardens , or container plantings . Its bantam , promising fleeceable leaves have a fine , fragile grain , and its slow growing charge per unit ensures it remains compact over clip . This cultivar thrive in fond shade and well - drained , slightly acidic land , and its petite size of it do it perfect for adding structure to small - scale landscape . ‘ Kingsville Dwarf ’ is a favorite among bonsai enthusiast and gardeners seeking a petite , refined bush .
Elegantissima Boxwood ( genus Buxus sempervirens ‘ Elegantissima ’ )
A variegated cultivar of the common box , ‘ Elegantissima ’ feature small , benighted green farewell with creamy - livid margin , adding a bright , elegant touch to landscape . It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide , with a dense , rounded wont . This cultivar prefers partial spook to protect its variegation from sun scorch and thrives in well - drained grease . ‘ Elegantissima ’ is idealistic for hedging , border , or as an accent plant , and its unequaled foliage makes it a standout pick for adding optical interest to schematic or mixed gardens .
Rotundifolia Boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ‘ Rotundifolia ’ )
A cultivar of the usual boxwood , ‘ Rotundifolia ’ is known for its large , libertine leaves compare to other boxwoods , giving it a softer , more relaxed appearance . It grows to about 4 to 6 foot grandiloquent and wide , with a dense , shaggy-coated habit . This cultivar thrives in full sunshine to fond shadiness and well - drain soil , making it suitable for hedgerow , foundation garment planting , or as a specimen shrub . ‘ Rotundifolia ’ is valued for its unique foliage shape and power to add together a plushy , cozy touch to landscape while maintain the classic evergreen appeal of boxwood .
Spring Grove Boxwood ( Buxus ‘ Spring Grove ’ )
A intercrossed Turkish boxwood , ‘ Spring Grove ’ is a stale - hardy , upright bush that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide of the mark , with a impenetrable , rounded drug abuse . Its dark viridity , showy folio persist vivacious year - round , even in harsh winters , making it a reliable selection for northern climates . This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial subtlety and well - drained grease , and its uniform growth makes it ideal for hedges , borders , or as a specimen works . ‘ Spring Grove ’ is prized for its enduringness , authoritative appearance , and ability to total structure and year - round greenery to landscapes .
