Japanese Boxwood

Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla ssp. japonica (Müll. Arg.) Rehder & E.H.
Synonym: Buxus japonica
Family: Buxaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 8-24
USDA: 6-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to -10°F (-23°C)

Heat Tolerance: Will take full sun

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Origin: Japan

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub, up to 4 to 8 feet tall (1.2-2.4 m), 6 feet wide (1.8m); opposite, glossy, bright green, obovate leaves, up to 1 inch long (2.5 cm), 0.5 inch wide (12 mm), notched at the tip

Flowers: White or greenish flowers

Watering Needs: Moderate water in summer, when established, does fine with deep watering every couple of weeks.

Propagation: Seeds, root divisions, semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or fall, hardwood cuttings in winter (remove leaves)

Japanese Boxwood is a popular hedge plant in Phoenix, and in the Southwestern USA. This popularity is justified by its resistance to heat, and to alkaline soils. When used in edge or topiary, it adapts easily to many shapes.

Blooming Habits:
Barely noticeable flowers, in mid spring.

Culture:
Sensitives to mite and scales

Propagation:
Growing the boxwood from seed is very slow. The usual way to propagate it is hardwood cuttings in winter or spring (in Phoenix, that's December-February). Cuttings under mist can be used any time.