buxus
Buxus varieties – Boxwood
The boxwoods that we know are mainly evergreen shrubs. They are typically pruned into hedge shapes, but they don’t have to be. It’s important to plant boxwoods in well-drained soil as they do not like wet feet. Mulch is a useful addition as they have a shallow root system; this will prevent them from drying out. Fertilize in early spring with a general nitrogen rich formula like 10-6-4.
Buxus ‘Green Gem’: Also known as Buxus ‘Compacta’, this variety is characterized by its compact, upright habit and small, glossy, green leaves. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for bonsai enthusiasts. It’s a slow grower, reaching only 2 to 3 feet in height. Despite its small size, it’s known for its striking, deep green foliage.
Buxus ‘Green Mountain’: This is a hybrid variety that combines the upright habit of Buxus ‘Compacta’ with the larger, broader leaves of Buxus ‘Sempervirens’. It’s a relatively slow-growing plant, reaching about 3 to 4 feet in height. The leaves are glossy and dark green, making it a visually appealing addition to the garden.
Buxus ‘Green Velvet’: This variety is known for its soft, velvety, green leaves that turn a deeper green in the fall. It’s a compact, upright shrub that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It’s a slow grower and requires well-drained soil. Despite its small size, it’s a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts due to its unique leaf texture.
Buxus ‘Northern Charm’: This is a selected variety that’s been bred for its cold hardiness and compact, rounded habit. It’s a semi-evergreen shrub that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green with a bluish tinge, giving it a frosty appearance. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees.
Buxus ‘Winter Gem’: This variety is known for its small, glossy, green leaves that turn a striking white in the winter. It’s a slow-growing plant that reaches about 3 to 4 feet in height and width. The leaves are semi-evergreen, providing a touch of winter interest to the garden.
Buxus ‘Winter Green‘: This is a hybrid variety that’s been bred for its cold hardiness and unique winter foliage. It’s a compact, upright shrub that grows about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green with a bluish tinge, turning a striking white in the winter.
Buxus ‘Chicagoland Green’: This is a cultivar developed specifically for the colder climates of Northern Illinois. It’s a slow-growing plant that reaches about 3 to 4 feet in height and width. The leaves are dark green, turning a striking white in the winter. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees.
Boxwood pairs well with a variety of plants. Dianthus, with its spicy fragrance and blooming from spring to fall, is a great companion. Alliums, with their spherical flower heads and tall stems, are deer-resistant and attract pollinators. Nepeta, also known as catmint, is a prolific bloomer with spiky clusters of lavender-blue flowers and is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Echinacea, known for their large, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, are hardy, drought-tolerant, and attract pollinators. Japanese maple is a small, slow-growing tree known for its beautiful leaf shapes and vibrant fall color. Spirea shrubs produce clusters of tiny flowers and have attractive fall foliage. Ornamental grasses add height, texture, and movement to the garden and are known for their spectacular fall color. Finally, daylilies are rugged, adaptable, vigorous perennials that endure in a garden for many years with little or no care.
Watering and soil: Moist, well drained.
Exposure: Full sun is best.
Varieties: Green Gem, Green Mountain, Green Velvet, Northern Charm, Winter Gem, Winter Green, Chicagoland Green.
See: Shrubs and Roses / Evergreens
Category: Sun Perennials – Sun Plants – Sunny Plants – Shrubs – Deciduous Shrubs – Boxwood near me – Buxus