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Buxus sempervirens
English Boxwood
Europe (southern England south to Mediterranean), North Africa, western AsiaLearn more
Overview
Buxus sempervirens is the English boxwood (European boxwood), an evergreen shrub growing 60–180 inches (150–450 cm) tall and wide when unclipped — typically maintained at 12–60 inches (30–150 cm) by clipping. Dark green glossy small oval opposite leaves 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm). The species has been used for formal hedging, topiary, and parterre design for over 2,000 years — the dense fine-textured evergreen foliage responds to repeated clipping by producing a tight surface of small leaves. Inconspicuous yellowish-green axillary flowers in mid-spring. In the boxwood family (Buxaceae). Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata) — a fungal disease confirmed across eastern North America and Europe since 2011, causing dark leaf spots, rapid defoliation, and black stem cankers; infected plants cannot be cured and must be removed and destroyed. Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) — an invasive caterpillar from East Asia defoliating boxwood in Europe and increasingly detected in North America. The foliage produces a scent (variously described as bitter or cat-like) detectable in warm weather. Cultivars: 'Suffruticosa' (dwarf edging form, 12–36 inches / 30–90 cm), 'Graham Blandy' (narrow columnar), 'Vardar Valley' (low mounding). All parts contain buxine and cyclobuxine alkaloids — toxic to humans and animals (gastrointestinal, neurological). Native to Europe (southern England to the Mediterranean), North Africa, and western Asia. Part shade to full sun. Deer-resistant (toxic). Zones 5–8. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to Europe from southern England south to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and western Asia, growing on chalk and limestone hillsides and in woodland understorey.Suggested Uses
Grown as formal hedging, topiary, parterre edging, and containers in zones 5–8. Boxwood blight and box tree moth are increasing threats — consider blight-resistant alternatives (B. microphylla var. koreana cultivars, Ilex crenata). All parts toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 15'
Width/Spread5' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Mid-spring (April) — inconspicuous yellowish-green axillary flowers. The dense evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Yellowish-green, tiny, inconspicuous, in axillary clustersFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, small, oval, 0.5-1 inch (12-25 mm), oppositeGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full sun. Well-drained soil. Boxwood blight: dark spots, defoliation, stem cankers — remove and destroy infected plants. Box tree moth: invasive caterpillar defoliating boxwood. The foliage scent is detectable in warm weather. All parts toxic (buxine alkaloids). Deer-resistant. Zones 5–8.Pruning
Clip for formal shape in early to midsummer (June–August). Two clippings per season maintain a tight formal surface. Sterilize tools between plants to reduce blight transmission. 'Suffruticosa' for low edging at 12–36 inches (30–90 cm).Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons