I am a slow to medium-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded or mounded form.

My most distinctive feature is my small, oval, glossy leaves that grow densely on multi-branched stems, creating a fine texture.

My wood is very hard (giving me my name, "boxwood") and my leaves have a distinctive, somewhat pungent smell when crushed.

I produce inconspicuous, pale yellow flowers in spring that are mildly fragrant.

I am native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America, with different species originating from different regions.

I prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially when newly planted. Never let me dry out completely.

Once established, I have moderate drought tolerance, but prolonged dryness will cause stress and leaf bronzing.

I am highly intolerant of "wet feet" or waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot.

Deep, infrequent watering that soaks the root zone is better than frequent light sprinklings.

I grow best in full sun to partial shade.

In hot climates, I benefit from afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch (bronzing).

I can tolerate fairly deep shade, but my growth will be more open and less dense.

I am a hardy shrub, with most common varieties thriving in USDA zones 5-8. Some varieties are suited to zones 4 or 9.

I prefer moderate temperatures and can struggle in the extreme heat of southern zones without shade and ample water.

Winter winds and sun can cause desiccation (bronzing or browning), so a protected site is beneficial.

I am primarily used for formal hedges, topiary, garden borders, and foundation plantings.

Plant in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Amend heavy clay soils.

For a hedge, space plants 1/2 to 2/3 of their mature width apart. Dig a trench, not just individual holes.

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around my base to retain moisture and keep roots cool, but keep it away from the trunk.

I am a light feeder. Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.

Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, can cause excessive, weak growth and increase susceptibility to pests and diseases.

A soil test is the best guide for fertilizer needs.

Scientific Name: Buxus spp. (e.g., B. sempervirens [Common Boxwood], B. microphylla [Littleleaf Boxwood])

Common Names: Box, Boxwood

Plant Family: Buxaceae

Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub

All parts of me are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. I contain alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in rare cases, respiratory failure if ingested in large quantities.

As a dense, outdoor evergreen, I contribute to carbon sequestration, oxygen production, and can help filter particulates from the air. My role is primarily in the landscape ecosystem.