Chinese box - Buxus sinica (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Chinese box

Chinese box (Buxus sinica) is, unsurprisingly given its name, native to China. It is a useful ornamental shrub that has a dense growth suitable for hedging and screen plantings. The name *sinica* is Latin for China. The *box* part of the name may reflect the plant's historic use as wood for making boxes.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese box (Buxus sinica)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

1 m to 6 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 6 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Yellow, Green, Gold

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

Images of Chinese box

Distribution of Chinese box

Distribution Map

Chinese box, a plant species, is native to the Eastern Asian region and has been introduced to the Eastern part of Asia. While naturally occurring within its indigenous range, chinese box is also cultivated in regions beyond, highlighting its adaptability to various environments outside its native locale.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

Buxus microphylla sinica can be used for carving.

Garden Use

Commonly found in gardens as a privacy screen and a border plant, the chinese box also does well in containers. It can be placed in cottage, English, rock, and winter gardens and is prized for its hardy green foliage that is drought tolerant and animal resistant. Due to its simplistic green color, plants that offer a greater range of colors, such as Mediterranean spurge, English lavender, and Midwinter Fire dogwood, make great accompaniments to the chinese box.

Symbolism

Perseverance

Interesting Facts

There is a legend about chinese box that it grows slowly, only an inch a year, and it shortens in leap years. But it has been proven that in leap years, chinese box does not shorten, but stagnates.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Chinese box, including the following common varieties :

Chinese box 'Justin Brouwers'Chinese box 'Nana'

Toxicity

Chinese box causes mild toxicity in humans upon ingestion, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chinese box is moderately toxic to cats and dogs. Consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe signs like seizures or respiratory failure. Alkaloids are responsible for these effects. Immediate veterinary care is advised if pets ingest chinese box.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Chinese box

Square stems distinguish chinese box from other plants, providing a tactile identifier.

Oppositely arranged glossy leaves with vibrant upper surfaces are distinctive.

Insignificant greenish-yellow flowers, 1/8 inch in diameter, bloom in spring.

Fine-textured growth habit with compact form reaching 2-3 feet in height.

Male flowers clustered separately from solitary female flowers on chinese box.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Chinese box

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from moderate climates, chinese box thrives with consistent moisture and can withstand short dry spells. Weekly watering is recommended. This evergreen plant prefers well-draining soil to maintain stable moisture levels without becoming waterlogged, promoting year-round greenery.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of chinese box, use a balanced fertilizer biannually, with high-nitrogen during active growth. Adjust for seasonal requirements, applying sparingly to prevent root burn. Even soil coverage and watering after application enhance absorption, improving vigor and aesthetic appeal for all gardeners.

Pruning: Chinese box features dense foliage and thrives with proper pruning conducted between early and late winter. Prioritize removing dead branches, thinning crowded areas, and shaping for fuller growth. Clean tools to prevent disease, ensuring resilient, healthy growth and improved appearance.

Propagation: Chinese box propagates successfully through cutting propagation, especially semi-hardwood cuttings treated with rooting hormone in moist, well-draining soil. High humidity is crucial, necessitating a greenhouse or plastic cover. While softwood cuttings can also be used, they require careful moisture and temperature management to thrive.

Repotting: Potted chinese box should be turned over every 2-3 years, especially when grown in purple sand pots to ensure optimal health and growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free