Buxus sempervirens Suffruticosa (Boxwood)
Compact, Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (Boxwood) is a small, slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a soft and lush foliage of ovate, fairly glossy leaves, up to 1 in. long (2 cm). Tough, hardy and easy to grow, this dwarf Boxwood provides color year-round
Compact, Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (Boxwood) is a small, slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a soft and lush foliage of ovate, fairly glossy leaves, up to 1 in. long (2 cm). Tough, hardy and easy to grow, this dwarf Boxwood provides color year-round, as well as form, texture and contrast to its companion plants.
- Typically grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
- Thrives in part shade in evenly moist, well-drained soils. While full shade is tolerated, the plant will not be as vigorous and its foliage not as dense. Full sun exposure may scorch the foliage. Boxwood can grow in a variety of soils as long as there is not too much sand or too much clay. Mulch should be added to reduce water evaporation and maintain moisture. While drought tolerant, Boxwood should always be watered during drought periods.
- Best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds, with, if possible, some protection from the full winter sun.
- 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!
- Keep an eye out for box sucker, mussel scale, box red spider mite, leaf spot and box blight. Deer and rabbit resistant!
- This plant grows slowly, so shear if desired. Pruning should occur after the last spring frost date, to avoid the new growth to be damaged or killed. Promote air circulation via removal of dead branches or thinning. Avoid cultivating around this plant because it has shallow roots.
- Fall is the best time for boxwood planting and mulching, while winter is the ideal time for pruning, thinning, and protection.
- Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Buxus – Boxwood |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36″ (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Formal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden |