Buxus sinica var. insularis Wintergreen (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’ (Korean Boxwood) is a vigorous, rounded, evergreen shrub with a lush foliage of small, glossy, light green leaves. The foliage retains its color reasonably well throughout the winter.

Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wintergreen' (Korean Boxwood) is a vigorous, rounded, evergreen shrub with a lush foliage of small, glossy, light green leaves. The foliage retains its color reasonably well throughout the winter. Tough, hardy and easy to grow, this Boxwood provides color year-round, as well as form, texture and contrast to its companion plants. Fast-growing, 4-6 in. per year (10-15 cm), it is perfect as a specimen or for a low hedge.

  • Typically grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 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.
  • 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

Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
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 Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Formal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden