How to Grow and Care for Common boxwood

Common boxwood, also known as European box, American boxwood, Box, Box tree, Evergreen box

Common boxwood is generally recognized for its adaptability and low-maintenance requirements, making it an easy-care plant. Special care points for common boxwood include ensuring it is planted in well-drained soil and receives adequate water without becoming waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Periodic trimming is also important to maintain the desired shape and promote dense foliage growth.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Human & Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Common boxwood

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	6-9
Toxicity	Toxic to Human & Pets

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Varieties of Common boxwood

Common boxwood 'Graham Blandy'

Common boxwood 'Graham Blandy' is a versatile and hardy boxwood cultivar which is known for being very reliable. It was named for Graham Blandy, who funded the Blandy Experimental Farm where this cultivar was created in 1949. This cultivar grows quite slowly but thrives both in pots and as a hedging.

Common boxwood 'Green Velvet'

Common boxwood 'Green Velvet' is a compact Boxwood known for its luscious, dark green leaves that retain their color through the winter. It is a cross between the common boxwoods, B. sempervirens and B. microphylla var. koreana. The name indicates the stunning green tones of the foliage. Ideal for adding wintertime greenery to the partially shaded spots in your garden.

Common boxwood 'Latifolia Maculata'

Common boxwood 'Latifolia Maculata' has a common name that translates from the Latin as 'stained'. This is appropriate since this hybrid has blotched white, yellow, and green leaves in contrast to the plain green leaves of its parent boxwood. The attractive leaves make this a popular garden shrub that grows best in partial or full shade.

Common box '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.

Common boxwood 'Elegantissima'

Common boxwood 'Elegantissima' is a Common boxwood cultivar bred to have more adorning leaves than the classic Common box. Unlike the parent plant that features solid green leaves, the breeding resulted in a cultivar with green leaves variegated with creamy-yellow margins on their edges.

Common Pests & Diseases

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The Toxicity of Common boxwood

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More General Info About Common boxwood

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Quickly Identify Common boxwood

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Common boxwood is distinguished by its dense, evergreen foliage, presenting leaves that are strikingly opposite, with acute to obtuse tips. Typically the leaves are small, roughly 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length and half as wide. Unique identification features include stems that are square and somewhat winged owing to the decurrent petioles. The leaves exhibit a distinctive white pubescence along the midrib on the underside, adding to the plant's identifiable traits.