Japanese boxwood is a fine-textured, loose, and rounded evergreen shrub in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family that grows to 6.5 feet tall. Native to Japan, Buxus is the Latin name for boxwood or box tree. The common name of boxwood refers to the wood used to make carved decorative boxes. Another etymology is that boxwood describes the square stems of its young plants.
This boxwood prefers moist, cool soils, so mulch heavily around the roots. Plant it in well-drained soil with a slight acidity to slight alkalinity and dappled to partial shade. It can be grown in full shade but will become leggy and sparsely foliated. Full sun may cause foliage to turn a reddish color. This is a slow-growing shrub and is sensitive to over-fertilization. New growth may be injured by frost. Once established, it is very drought tolerant. It is also deer, rabbit, and nematode resistant. Propagate by stem cutting; the plant also will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Hardiness | 6,7,8 |
| Heat Zones | 6,7,8 |
| Climate Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Buxaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer |
| Height | 3' - 4' |
| Spread | 2' - 3' |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Acid |
| Characteristics | Evergreen |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Cutting Garden, Formal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden, Traditional Garden |
| Planting Place | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |