Common Box ‘Suffruticosa’ (English Boxwood Shrub, Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’)

Common Box ‘Suffruticosa’ (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) is a compact and slow-growing cultivar of common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) and is considered a dwarf variety. This plant has soft, glossy leaves that can withstand most environmental conditions in gardens, beds, and containers, but needs extra care during the winter months. ‘Suffruticosa’ comes from an Italian word referencing the woody base and shrubby upper branches.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

The leaves of common box ‘Suffruticosa’ are lustrous, ovate in shape, and of medium size, typically measuring about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in length. They are soft to the touch and exhibit a dark green hue on the upper surface, transitioning to a lighter green to yellowish tint beneath. In winter, they may develop an orange-green coloration. The vein pattern is subtle, contributing to the overall smooth texture and appearance of the leaves.

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ flowers are small and non-showy, typically pale green-yellow in color. They form in clusters, with individual blooms measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. The petals are inconspicuous, blending into the foliage. These flowers lack significant scent and are usually unremarkable to the casual observer. Blooming occurs in late spring to early summer, with the modest flowers often going unnoticed amidst the dense, evergreen foliage.

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ flowers are small and non-showy, typically pale green-yellow in color. They form in clusters, with individual blooms measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. The petals are inconspicuous, blending into the foliage. These flowers lack significant scent and are usually unremarkable to the casual observer. Blooming occurs in late spring to early summer, with the modest flowers often going unnoticed amidst the dense, evergreen foliage.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ likes sufficient sunlight but can tolerate partial shade too. Thus, it can grow well both indoors and outdoors. You can plant it almost anywhere, except for spots that are completely in the shade all day long. If it doesn’t receive enough sunlight, the leaves may turn yellow. There are other species in the Buxus genus that prefer low light environments, which are best grown somewhere with partial shade that avoids direct blazing sunlight in the summer.

Temperature

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ is mainly distributed in temperate regions and prefers a warmer climate. However, it is cold-resistant to a degree, too. Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ can grow at temperatures in the range of -23 to 35 ℃ but will become dormant and stop growing if the temperature goes outside of this range. If the temperature stays around 16 to 27 ℃, it will be vigorous and grow rapidly. It prefers moist soil but is also tolerant of dry conditions. However, it is not tolerant of waterlogging.

Watering

Originating from limestone hills and woodlands, common box ‘Suffruticosa’ thrives in well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It exhibits a preference for steady hydration but can endure short periods of dryness. Watering every week is optimal to maintain its lush, evergreen foliage. Given its resilience, common box ‘Suffruticosa’ is ideal for outdoor landscaping in temperate climates. As an evergreen plant, common box ‘Suffruticosa’ maintains water within its leaves year-round, contributing to its robust appearance even during the colder months.

Soil

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ doesn’t require a specific soil type but does like the soil to be moist and fertile. It can even grow in dry and barren conditions. However, due to its intolerance of waterlogging, it is recommended to plant it in sandy soil with good drainage, rather than in clay soil.

Fertilizing

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ produces small flowers, so it does not require much fertilizer. It should be given fertilizer two or three times during its vigorous growth stage, at the same time as you water it. Use fully decomposed organic fertilizer, but don’t add too much.

Planting Instructions

It is recommended to plant common box ‘Suffruticosa’ in the spring, so it has an opportunity to grow strong enough before winter comes. Also, the weather in spring is mild and warm, unlike in the summer when heat and drought could hinder its ability to adapt to a new environment. If you plant it in the garden, you should choose somewhere that receives 5-6 hours of sunlight each day, and soil that has good drainage. Water it immediately after planting. If the weather is very dry, you should continue to water it each day for three consecutive days.

If you plant common box ‘Suffruticosa’ in a pot, it is best to choose a pot big enough to allow ample space for its roots to grow. Clay pots are the best option as they have excellent ventilation and help the roots to breathe. When planting, you can trim off any old or dead roots; this will stimulate the growth of new roots. In general, common box ‘Suffruticosa’ should be re-potted every 2-3 years. It is advisable to do this before the budding of new leaves as their growth requires plentiful nutrition. You can also trim the roots when re-potting, and replace the soil.

Pruning

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’ is very tolerant of pruning and tends to rapidly grow new twigs after it has been clipped. You can trim it into different looks depending on your needs. It is best to prune in the summer and winter. In summer, the plant is lush but the ventilation among the branches and leaves is not great, making it vulnerable to pests and diseases. In winter, it grows slowly and can maintain a certain ornamental look for longer. You can trim off any leaves that are old, dead, or have changed color, to make the plant look more presentable.

Propagation

This densely foliaged evergreen shrub is ideal for formal hedges and topiaries, beloved for its compact growth habit. Successful propagation primarily involves cuttings. For best outcomes, gardeners should select healthy, semi-ripe stems and snip them at a length conducive to rooting, preferably with several leaf nodes. The cuttings benefit from a moist but well-draining soil medium and the application of rooting hormone to facilitate the development of a robust root system. Providing a stable environment with consistent moisture and warmth, while avoiding excessive water to prevent rot, assists in ensuring viable new plants.

Transplanting

This densely foliaged evergreen shrub is ideal for formal hedges and topiaries, beloved for its compact growth habit. Successful propagation primarily involves cuttings. For best outcomes, gardeners should select healthy, semi-ripe stems and snip them at a length conducive to rooting, preferably with several leaf nodes. The cuttings benefit from a moist but well-draining soil medium and the application of rooting hormone to facilitate the development of a robust root system. Providing a stable environment with consistent moisture and warmth, while avoiding excessive water to prevent rot, assists in ensuring viable new plants.

Repotting

Common box ‘Suffruticosa’, a dense, evergreen shrub, needs repotting every 2-3 years to facilitate growth. Best repotted in early spring, allow common box ‘Suffruticosa’ to acclimate to growing season conditions. Use a slightly larger pot with adequate drainage to prevent root rot. After repotting, ensure common box ‘Suffruticosa’ has consistent moisture and avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks to reduce stress and promote stable rooting.

III. Uses and Benefits 

Very versatile, this plant is perfect for beds, borders, containers, formal gardens, Mediterranean gardens, topiary or foundation plantings. May be clipped to a low formal hedge or used as groundcover. Perfect for small gardens.