American Boxwood Shrub (Buxus sempervirens)

Common Boxwood, also known as American boxwood or Buxus sempervirens, is a versatile evergreen shrub cherished for its dense foliage, elegant form, and adaptability to various landscape designs. This classic plant provides year-round structure and a touch of timeless sophistication, making it a favorite among gardeners.

At Gardencenterpoint.com, we understand the appeal of this enduring hedge plant. This guide offers comprehensive solutions for selecting, planting, and maintaining healthy, thriving Common Boxwood plants, whether you’re looking to buy boxwood, create a formal hedge, or simply enhance your garden’s aesthetic.

What is Common Boxwood?

Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a broadleaf evergreen shrub belonging to the Buxaceae family. It’s native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa, but has been cultivated in North America for centuries, becoming a staple in gardens across the continent. Its popularity stems from its dense, fine-textured foliage, its ability to be shaped into various forms, and its relatively low maintenance requirements.

Common name	Common Boxwood, American Boxwood, European Boxwood
Botanical name	Buxus sempervirens
Family	Buxaceae
Genus	Buxus
Species	sempervirens
Origin	Southern Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa
Life cycle	Perennial
Plant type	Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Hardiness zone	5-8 (varies by cultivar)
Sunlight	Partial Shade to Full Sun
Maintenance	Low to Moderate
Water	Moderate
Drainage	Well-Drained
Spacing	1-15 ft. (depending on cultivar and use)
Flowering period	Spring (flowers inconspicuous)
Height	5-15 ft. (varies greatly by cultivar)
Growth rate	Slow to Moderate
Foliage color	Dark Green (variations exist)
Stem color	Green to Light Brown
Flower benefit	None (not grown for flowers)
Garden style	Formal, English, Contemporary, Container
Uses	Hedge, Topiary, Foundation Planting, Border, Screen, Specimen

Key Characteristics:

• Foliage: Small, oval-shaped, opposite leaves that are typically a rich, dark green. The leaves are leathery and have a slightly glossy appearance. New growth is often a lighter, brighter green.
• Growth Habit: Typically slow-growing, reaching a mature height and width of 5 to 15 feet (and sometimes larger) depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. It can be easily pruned to maintain a smaller size.
• Form: Naturally rounded or pyramidal, but easily shaped into hedges, topiaries, and other formal designs.
• Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA zones 5-8, though some cultivars may have slightly different hardiness ranges.
• Sunlight Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5). It does not tolerate poorly drained, soggy soils.
• Flowers: Inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers appear in spring, but they are not particularly showy.
• Fruit: Produce small, inconspicuous brown capsule.

Common Uses in Landscaping:

• Formal Hedges: Its dense growth and ability to tolerate shearing make it ideal for creating formal hedges and borders.
• Foundation Plantings: Used to soften the lines of buildings and create a visually appealing transition between the house and the garden.
• Topiaries: Frequently shaped into spheres, cones, spirals, and other intricate designs.
• Container Plantings: Smaller cultivars are well-suited for container gardening, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies.
• Knot Gardens: A classic element in traditional knot gardens and parterres.
• Mass Plantings: Can be used to create a uniform, green backdrop for other plants.

Why Choose Common Boxwood?

The enduring popularity of Common Boxwood is no accident. A study by the University of Illinois Extension highlights its adaptability and longevity in various landscape settings. Gardeners appreciate its:

• Year-Round Interest: Provides green color and structure throughout the year, even in winter.
• Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of design styles, from formal to informal.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires relatively little care.
• Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer browsing, making it a good choice for areas with deer populations.
• Longevity: Can live for many decades with proper care.
• Air purification: A 2023 study confirmed that Buxus sempervirens effectively removes some airborne pollutants, contributing to a healthier outdoor environment.

However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges, which we will address in detail in the following sections. These include susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, and the need for proper planting and pruning techniques. Gardencenterpoint.com is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your Common Boxwood thrives.

Choosing the Right Common Boxwood Cultivar

While “Common Boxwood” often refers to Buxus sempervirens, there are numerous cultivars available, each with slightly different characteristics. Selecting the right cultivar is crucial for ensuring your plant meets your specific needs and thrives in your garden. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options, categorized by size and growth habit:

Cultivar	Mature Height (ft)	Mature Width (ft)	Growth Habit	Characteristics
‘Suffruticosa’	2-3	2-3	Dwarf, slow-growing	Excellent for edging, low hedges, and knot gardens.
‘Green Velvet’	3-4	3-4	Compact, rounded	Retains good green color throughout winter.
‘Green Mountain’	4-5	3-4	Upright, pyramidal	Good for hedges and topiaries.
‘Winter Gem’	4-6	4-6	Rounded, fast-growing	Excellent cold hardiness.
‘American’	10-15	10-15	Large, upright	Classic American boxwood, often used for tall hedges and screens.
‘Justin Brouwers’	3-4	3-4	Compact, rounded	Excellent, very dark green foliage.
‘Dee Runk’	8-10	2-3	Narrow, upright	Useful for planting in tight spaces.
‘Fastigiata’	8-10	3-4	Columnar	Upright option.
‘Elegantissima’	3-5	3-5	Variegated	Green leaves edged in creamy white, slow growth.

Note that availability of specific cultivars may vary depending on your region and local nurseries. Gardencenterpoint.com can help you locate nurseries near you that carry the boxwood varieties best suited to your climate and landscape goals. We provide links to reputable growers and resources to help you make informed decisions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cultivar:

• Mature Size: Consider the available space in your garden and choose a cultivar that will fit comfortably without excessive pruning.
• Growth Rate: If you need a hedge to fill in quickly, choose a faster-growing cultivar. For low-maintenance options, select a slow-growing variety.
• Hardiness Zone: Ensure the cultivar is hardy in your USDA zone.
• Sunlight Exposure: While most boxwoods tolerate full sun to partial shade, some cultivars are more tolerant of full sun than others.
• Desired Form: Choose a cultivar with a natural growth habit that matches your desired aesthetic (e.g., rounded, pyramidal, upright).
• Leaf Color: Most Boxwoods will be a darker green, but some cultivars offer some lighter options.

By carefully considering these factors and exploring the options available through Gardencenterpoint.com’s network of nurseries, you can select the perfect Common Boxwood cultivar to enhance your landscape.

Planting Common Boxwood

Planting Common Boxwood correctly is essential for its long-term health and success. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your boxwood gets the best possible start:

Timing

• The best time to plant Common Boxwood is in the fall (September-October) or early spring (March-April). This allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
• Avoid planting during hot, dry periods or when the ground is frozen.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Choose a location that receives partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates (zones 7-8), afternoon shade is especially important to prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil. Avoid areas with standing water or heavy clay soil that drains poorly.
• Spacing: Space plants according to their mature size, allowing enough room for air circulation. For hedges, space plants closer together (1-2 feet apart) than for individual specimens.

Soil Preparation

• Soil Test: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Boxwoods prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.5). Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Amendments: If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost, aged manure, or other organic matter to improve drainage. If your soil is sandy, add organic matter to help retain moisture.

Planting Process

• Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Root Inspection: Carefully remove the plant from its container and inspect the roots. If the roots are circling around the root ball, gently loosen them with your fingers or a knife.
• Placement: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil surface. Planting too deep can lead to root rot.
• Backfilling: Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets.
• Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (such as shredded bark or wood chips) around the base of the plant, keeping the mulch away from the stem. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Initial Watering and Care

• Watering: Water the newly planted boxwood regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing newly planted boxwoods for the first year. After that, you can fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs. Follow package directions carefully.

Caring for Common Boxwood

Once established, Common Boxwood is relatively low-maintenance, but proper care is still essential for maintaining its health and appearance.

Watering

• Established Plants: Established boxwoods are moderately drought-tolerant, but they benefit from regular watering, especially during hot, dry periods.
• Watering Frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on your climate, soil type, and rainfall. As a general rule, water deeply and less frequently, rather than shallowly and more often.
• Monitoring Soil Moisture: Check the soil moisture regularly by inserting your finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common problem for boxwoods. Ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
• Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal for watering boxwoods, as they deliver water directly to the roots and minimize water loss through evaporation.

Fertilizing

• Soil Testing: The best way to determine if your boxwood needs fertilizer is to conduct a soil test.
• Fertilizer Type: If your soil test indicates a need for fertilizer, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs.
• Timing: Apply fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins.
• Application Rate: Follow the package directions carefully. Over-fertilizing can damage the plant.
• Avoid Late-Season Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.

Mulching

• Benefits of Mulching: Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil health.
• Mulch Type: Use organic mulches such as shredded bark, wood chips, or pine straw.
• Mulch Depth: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping the mulch away from the stem.
• Replenishing Mulch: Replenish the mulch as needed, typically once a year.

Additional Care Tips

• Protect from Winter Damage: In colder climates, boxwoods can suffer from winter burn (desiccation of the foliage due to wind and sun). Consider wrapping the plants with burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray in late fall.
• Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation around the plants to help prevent fungal diseases. Prune out any dead or diseased branches.
• Monitor for Pests and Diseases: Regularly inspect your boxwoods for signs of pests or diseases. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious problems.

Pruning Common Boxwood

Pruning is an essential part of Common Boxwood care, helping to maintain its shape, size, and overall health. The timing and technique of pruning depend on the desired outcome.

Types of Pruning:

• Shearing: Shearing involves using hedge trimmers to create a formal, geometric shape. It’s typically done on hedges and topiaries.
• Thinning: Thinning involves selectively removing individual branches to improve air circulation and light penetration within the plant. It’s a more natural approach that promotes healthy growth.
• Rejuvenation Pruning: Rejuvenation pruning involves cutting back the plant severely to stimulate new growth. It’s used to revitalize old or overgrown boxwoods.

Timing:

• Shearing: The best time to shear boxwoods is in late spring or early summer, after the new growth has hardened off. Avoid shearing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.
• Thinning: Thinning can be done at any time of year, but it’s best to do it in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
• Rejuvenation Pruning: Rejuvenation pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.

Techniques:

• Shearing:
  • Use sharp hedge trimmers.
  • Shear to the desired shape, following the natural contours of the plant.
  • Avoid cutting into bare wood, as this can leave unsightly gaps.
  • Make slightly angled cuts to allow for water runoff.
• Thinning:
  • Use sharp pruning shears or loppers.
  • Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
  • Selectively remove branches to open up the interior of the plant.
  • Make cuts just above a bud or branch junction.
• Rejuvenation Pruning:
  • Use sharp pruning shears or a pruning saw.
  • Cut back the plant to within 6-12 inches of the ground.
  • This will stimulate new growth from the base of the plant.
  • Be prepared for a period of time when the plant will look bare.

Important Considerations:

• Sharp Tools: Always use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
• Sterilize Tools: Disinfect pruning tools between cuts, especially if you are pruning diseased plants. A solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water is effective.
• Avoid Over-Pruning: Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at a time.
• Prune Regularly: Regular pruning is better than infrequent, drastic pruning.

Common Boxwood Pests and Diseases

While Common Boxwood is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing serious problems.

Common Pests

• Boxwood Leafminer: The most common pest of boxwood. The larvae of this small fly feed inside the leaves, creating blisters and causing the foliage to turn yellow or brown.
  • Control: Systemic insecticides can be effective, but timing is crucial. Apply in spring when the adult flies are active. Horticultural oil can also be used to smother the eggs.
• Boxwood Psyllid: These small, sucking insects feed on the new growth, causing the leaves to cup and curl.
  • Control: Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective.
• Spider Mites: These tiny mites feed on the plant sap, causing stippling and discoloration of the foliage. They are more common in hot, dry conditions.
  • Control: Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective. A strong spray of water can also help dislodge the mites.
• Scale Insects: While not as common, mealybugs and other scale insects can affect Boxwoods.
  • Control: Systemic insecticides are recommended.

Common Diseases

• Boxwood Blight: A serious fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and defoliation. It is spread by splashing water and contaminated pruning tools.
  • Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, ensure good air circulation, and sterilize pruning tools. Remove and destroy infected plants.
  • Control: Fungicides can help prevent the spread of the disease, but they will not cure infected plants.
• Phytophthora Root Rot: A soilborne fungal disease that attacks the roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. It is more common in poorly drained soils.
  • Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.
  • Control: There is no cure for Phytophthora root rot. Remove and destroy infected plants.
• Volutella Blight (Pseudonectria canker): Causes dieback of branches and leaves, often appearing as orange or pink spore masses on infected stems.
  • Control: Prune out infected branches, making sure to cut back to healthy wood.

Integrated Pest Management

Gardencenterpoint.com advocates for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest and disease control. This involves:

• Monitoring: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases.
• Prevention: Use cultural practices that promote plant health and reduce the risk of problems (e.g., proper planting, watering, and fertilization).
• Identification: Accurately identify any pests or diseases before taking action.
• Least Toxic Options: Use the least toxic control methods first (e.g., handpicking, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil).
• Chemical Controls: Use chemical controls only as a last resort and follow label directions carefully.

Propagating Common Boxwood

Common Boxwood can be propagated through several methods, with stem cuttings being the most common and reliable.

Stem Cuttings:

• Timing: Take cuttings in late summer or early fall from the current year’s growth.
• Selection: Choose healthy, non-flowering stems that are 4-6 inches long.
• Preparation: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving 2-3 sets of leaves at the top. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
• Planting: Insert the cuttings into a well-drained rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the medium moist but not soggy.
• Environment: Place the cuttings in a bright, indirect location. A humidity dome or plastic bag can help maintain humidity.
• Rooting: Roots typically develop in 6-8 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.

Other Propagation Methods:

• Layering: This involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and burying a portion of it in soil. Roots will develop at the buried portion, and the new plant can then be separated from the parent plant.
• Division: Established boxwoods can be divided in early spring. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots.

Gardencenterpoint.com provides detailed instructions and video tutorials on propagating boxwood through stem cuttings. We also offer advice on selecting the right rooting medium and creating a suitable environment for rooting.

Common Boxwood in Landscape Design

Common Boxwood’s versatility makes it a valuable asset in a wide range of landscape designs. Here are some ideas for incorporating this classic shrub into your garden:

• Formal Gardens: Create classic parterres, knot gardens, and geometric hedges.
• English Gardens: Use boxwood as a structural element in mixed borders and cottage gardens.
• Contemporary Gardens: Incorporate boxwood spheres, cubes, or other geometric shapes for a modern look.
• Foundation Plantings: Soften the lines of buildings and create a welcoming entrance.
• Container Gardens: Use smaller cultivars in pots and planters to add greenery to patios, balconies, and decks.
• Topiary: Create whimsical shapes and animal forms.
• Screening: Use taller cultivars to create privacy screens or to block unwanted views.
• Edging: Define pathways and garden beds with low-growing boxwood hedges.

Companion Plants

Boxwood pairs well with a variety of other plants, including:

• Flowering Shrubs: Roses, hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons.
• Perennials: Hostas, ferns, daylilies, coneflowers, salvia.
• Annuals: Impatiens, begonias, petunias.
• Groundcovers: Vinca minor, pachysandra, ajuga.

Troubleshooting Common Boxwood Problems

Even with the best care, Common Boxwood can sometimes experience problems. Here’s a guide to troubleshooting some common issues:

Problem	Possible Cause(s)	Solution(s)
Yellowing Leaves	Overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, poor drainage	Check soil moisture, adjust watering, conduct a soil test, improve drainage.
Browning Leaves	Winter burn, boxwood leafminer, drought stress, fungal disease	Protect from winter winds, treat for leafminer, water deeply during dry periods, improve air circulation, apply fungicide if necessary.
Leaf Drop	Boxwood blight, Phytophthora root rot, stress	Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove and destroy infected plants, plant in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering.
Wilting	Phytophthora root rot, drought stress	Plant in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, water deeply during dry periods.
Dieback of Branches	Volutella blight, physical damage	Prune out infected branches, protect from physical damage.
Stunted Growth	Poor soil, nutrient deficiency, root problems	Conduct a soil test, amend soil with organic matter, fertilize if needed, check for root problems.
Cupped or Curled Leaves	Boxwood psyllid	Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Blistered Leaves	Boxwood leafminer	Apply systemic insecticide in spring, use horticultural oil to smother eggs.
Webbing on plants	Spider Mites	Apply horticultural oil or a strong stream of water to the plants.

Throughout this guide, we’ve emphasized Gardencenterpoint.com’s role as a comprehensive resource for gardeners. We’re not just a retailer; we’re a hub connecting you with the information, tools, and plants you need to create a thriving garden. We encourage you to:

• Explore our other plant guides: Discover a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials suitable for your climate and landscape.
• Browse our gardening tutorials: Learn valuable techniques for planting, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control.
• Check out our product reviews: Find unbiased reviews of gardening tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Connect with local nurseries: Use our directory to find reputable nurseries near you that offer high-quality Common Boxwood plants and other gardening essentials.
• Share This Guide: If you’ve found this information helpful, please share it with your friends and fellow gardening enthusiasts on social media!

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