Boxwood Buxus in 8″ Pot

A slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, typically 1–5 m (3–15 ft) tall (can reach 9 m/30 ft in ideal conditions) with a trunk up to 20 cm (8 in) diameter; many cultivars stay 0.5–1.5 m. Habit is dense, rounded to upright, with fine branching that holds foliage to the ground—perfect for clipping. Leaves are opposite, simple, leathery, ovate to elliptic, 1.5–3 cm (0.5–1 in) long, glossy dark green above, lighter beneath; margins entire. Bark is thin, grey-brown, slightly ridged with age. Flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, highly scented, in April–May; fruit is a small 3-lobed capsule (0.5–1 cm) with 3–6 seeds. Growth rate is slow (often 5–15 cm/2–6 in per year; dwarf forms <5 cm). Key cultivars: B. sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (dwarf English box, 60–90 cm), ‘Dee Runk’/‘Graham Blandy’ (narrow columnar, 2–3 m tall × 0.5 m wide), B. microphylla var. japonica ‘Green Beauty’ (faster, lime-green), B. sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’ (hardier, good winter color). All are monoecious and deer/rabbit resistant. Quick care: full sun to part shade (best with 4–6 hrs sun; full shade makes growth loose, full hot sun can scorch). Hardy USDA 5–8 (some cultivars to zone 9); protect from drying winter wind and strong afternoon sun in cold zones. Soil: moist but well-drained loam, chalk, clay or sand; pH neutral to alkaline preferred (6.5–7.5), but tolerates a range. Mulch to keep shallow roots cool and moist. Water regularly first 2 years; once established, moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from deep watering in dry spells. Feed lightly in spring (balanced slow-release or compost). Prune late winter/early spring after last frost; can be sheared hard for hedges, topiary, parterres—tolerates repeated clipping. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer (tender growth can winter-burn). Watch for boxwood blight (Cylindrocladium), boxwood leafminer, mites, psyllids (box sucker); improve airflow by thinning interior growth. Toxic if ingested (alkaloids; toxic to dogs, cats, horses). Uses: formal hedges, edging, topiary, foundation plantings, containers, parterre gardens; lifespan can be centuries with care.