Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ssp. japonica)

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

Show Larger Picture 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 to 8 feet tall, 6 feet wide (2.4m by 1.8m))
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.

Cultural Practices:
Sensitives to mite and scales

Blooming Habits:
Barely noticeable, in mid spring.

Propagation:
Growing the boxwood from spring 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.

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