Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens · Buxaceae
📷 No machine-readable author provided. MPF assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY 2.5
⚠️ Buis : alcaloïdes (cyclobuxine). Chiens/chats : troubles digestifs, irritation. Humains enfants : irritation buccale, nausées par ingestion de feuilles.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around boxwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen and dense
- Flowering
- April to May, small inconspicuous flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 3 m in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin, Western Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates limestone
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Boxwood mainly needs air circulation through the foliage and well-draining soil; prune lightly but regularly.
The common mistake
Mulch piled against the base and stagnant moisture cause the heart of the boxwood to turn yellow.
The pro's trick
In late winter, remove dead leaves stuck in the center to prevent diseases.
Care
Light exposure
Boxwood tolerates partial shade and semi-shaded areas, but prefers good light. It also handles full sun in temperate regions. Avoid overly hot and dry exposures in Mediterranean climates.
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist without excess, especially during the first year. Once established, boxwood tolerates moderate dry periods. In containers, water more regularly. Reduce watering in winter.
Pruning and cutting
Prune boxwood in spring (April-May) or late summer to maintain a compact, dense shape. It tolerates severe pruning and topiary creation. Young plants benefit from regular pruning to thicken.
Soil
Boxwood prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates limestone and slightly acidic soils. Improve heavy soils with compost or sand at planting.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of compost in spring is generally sufficient. In containers or poor soil, a balanced diluted fertilizer in June can support growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which softens foliage.
Diseases and pests
Boxwood is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies in dry conditions. Watch for defoliation or spotting. Ensure good air circulation, especially in humid climates, to prevent fungal issues. Quickly isolate infested plants.
Did you know?
Boxwood is such an ancient and prized plant in Europe that boxwood topiaries have shaped the art of gardening since Roman antiquity. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, boxwood was the undisputed king of hedges and geometric parterres. Its extremely hard and dense wood was long used to make combs, flutes, and precision marquetry objects.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Japanese pachysandraPachysandra terminalis
- Sweet boxSarcococca ruscifolia
- Small-leaved BoxBuxus microphylla
- Himalayan sweet boxSarcococca hookeriana
- Balearic boxwoodBuxus balearica
- Christmas boxSarcococca orientalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.