Japanese Boxwood Shrub

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Dense Evergreen Foliage Provides Privacy & Greenery in the Landscape

This hardy boxwood variety is your ideal accent or hedge plant in flower gardens, formal gardens, or any landscape foundation planting due to its versatility, dense green foliage, and ease of maintenance! The Japanese Boxwood shrub, sometimes called littleleaf boxwood, produces dainty white flowers that are not showy in early spring.

The Buxus microphylla Japanese Boxwood plant features bright green, oval-shaped leaves that are somewhat larger, and slightly lighter green color, almost having a yellow appearance, than the hybrid boxwoods most commonly seen in landscapes. This Japanese shrub, also known as the Winter Gem boxwood, makes an excellent medium to large hedge, and is quite simple to grow (even if it’s a slow-growing shrub). Also, it’s deer resistant!

How Fast Do Japanese Boxwoods Grow?

The Japanese Boxwood growth rate is slow – less than 12 inches per year. Since these boxwood’s rate of growth is so slow, it may take a few years for a seedling to grow into a privacy shrub, so it’s best to start with a larger plant. The Japanese Boxwood grows from 5 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide.

Are Japanese Boxwoods Trees or Shrubs?

Despite their potential to grow very large, Japanese Boxwoods fall into the shrub category. More specifically, Japanese Boxwoods are considered evergreen shrubs, meaning that they will keep their leaves all year, even through the winter. While it’s most commonly seen as a formal hedge, you can train this shrub into becoming a Japanese boxwood tree. Since the Japanese Boxwood is so tolerant to pruning, you can shape this plant into whatever shape you desire.

How Far Apart To Plant Japanese Boxwood Shrubs

Since Japanese Boxwoods can grow quite large in their maturity, it’s important to decide if you want to grow shrubs or individual plants. If you’re planning to prune trees, leave ample room between each, allowing them to reach their full sizes. Space them 2 to 3 feet apart to make a shrub border hedge. Always space them at least 2 feet away from homes, fences, and other structures.

Can Japanese Boxwood Grow In Shade?

Full shade is not recommended for this plant. Japanese Boxwood shrubs are known to thrive in partial shade or near full sun. 

JAPANESE BOXWOOD CARE

Like all other large boxwoods, the Japanese boxwood hedge grows well in cool, moist, well-drained soils but it can tolerate a wide range of soils. As well as, growing in partial sun to part shade. It only needs a small amount of partial shade to shield its leaves from the full sun. Boxwoods prefer being planted in slightly acidic sights with a soil pH of 6.5-7.

Shake off the extra dirt of the root ball before planting and separate the roots to encourage new growth. It is fairly drought tolerant, but make sure to have a regular watering schedule during the first year of planting to establish its shallow root system. Mulch heavily with a 3-inch layer of organic matter to help retain moisture. 

This evergreen shrub keeps its dark green leaves through summer and fall. If protected from winter wind, it can stay green until temperatures drop. Boxwood hedges are deer resistant and the leaves may turn yellow in dry weather. Buxus shrubs may be susceptible to boxwood leafminers. If this is the case use insecticidal soap to get rid of these pests.

This perennial shrub is slightly less cold-hardy than other commonly used boxwood varieties. Still a great choice for many woodland gardeners across the United States in the Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5-9! It is also salt tolerant and a good choice for planting near coasts or waterways.

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