Evergreen Shrub
Buxus, Genus, sinica, Species,
- Genus & species
Chinese box
Central and eastern China, Taiwan, Korea
Overview
Buxus sinica is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows 3–8 feet (0.9–2.4 m) tall and 3–6 feet (0.9–1.8 m) wide, with a rounded to upright habit and growth of 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year. Leaves are opposite, obovate to elliptic, 0.6–1.4 inches (1.5–3.5 cm) long, leathery, glossy dark green, and notched or rounded at the tip. Young stems are four-angled and covered with short hairs. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, without petals, and borne in clusters at the leaf axils in early spring, and fruits are three-horned capsules 0.25–0.4 inch (6–10 mm) long. The shrub tolerates shearing, and foliage can take on a bronze tint in winter sun and cold. Leaf and stem tissue contain steroidal alkaloids and are toxic if eaten. The genus is affected by boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata), and box tree moth caterpillars defoliate Buxus in Europe and parts of eastern North America. The species is hardy in USDA zones 6–9.
Native Range
Buxus sinica is native to central and eastern China, Taiwan, and Korea, where it grows in forest understories, rocky slopes, and limestone outcrops. It is sometimes treated as B. microphylla var. sinica.Suggested Uses
Buxus sinica is used as a clipped hedge, low border, container plant, and topiary subject in temperate gardens. Hedge plants are spaced 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Buxus sinica blooms in early spring, typically March to April, with small greenish-yellow flowers that last 2–3 weeks. Flowers have a faint scent and are visited by bees. Fruit capsules ripen in summer and split to release shiny black seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green, bronze tint in winterGrowing 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
Buxus sinica grows in full sun to part shade, with 4–8 hours of direct light, in moist, well-drained soil of pH 6.5–7.5. Plants need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly in the first 2 years and during dry spells. Hardiness is USDA zones 6–9, with winter foliage burn occurring in cold, drying wind. A 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer limits root drying, and root rot occurs in poorly drained sites. Boxwood blight, boxwood leafminer, and boxwood psyllid affect Buxus. Shallow roots tolerate little cultivation near the base.Pruning
Shearing or shaping takes place in late spring after new growth has hardened, and a second light trim can follow in midsummer. Plants regrow from old wood after cutting to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm). Dense outer foliage limits light reaching inner stems, and thinning cuts open the interior to air movement.Pruning Schedule
Prune: May–July
late springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
