Common Boxwood
buxus sempervirens
Also known as: ["Boxwood","European Box","Common Box"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub with dense, small, glossy green leaves, often used for hedges and topiary.
Benefits & Perks
["disease resistant","deer resistant","aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Buxales |
| Family: | Buxaceae |
| Genus: | Buxus |
| Botanical Name: | Buxus sempervirens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate clay but prefers good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light shaping can be done anytime.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can handle heavy pruning but may take longer to recover.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a houseplant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid placing in dark corners.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with neutral to alkaline pH
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9; tolerates temperatures from -20°F to 80°F; prefers cool winters and moderate summers.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; monitor temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilization; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late summer or early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall when the plant is semi-hardwood.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for better success.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bag or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools; make cuts just above a leaf node or bud; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Shape and maintain density; encourage bushier growth; remove dead or diseased wood.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged wood first; shape evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; potential dieback in severe cases.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch; reduced vigor; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at recommended rates; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter; dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicBuxus sempervirens is toxic to cats, containing buxine and other alkaloids that can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological effects. The toxins can lead to significant physiological distress and may be fatal if not addressed quickly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicBuxus sempervirens is highly toxic to dogs due to the presence of buxine and other alkaloids. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological symptoms, and cardiovascular issues. The toxins can lead to significant systemic effects and may be fatal if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicBuxus sempervirens contains buxine and other alkaloids that are toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and potentially fatal cardiac complications. The toxins interfere with cellular respiration and can cause significant physiological disruption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is boxwood toxic to pets?
A: Yes, boxwood is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should boxwood be watered?
A: Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can boxwood be grown indoors?
A: Boxwood can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light, but it thrives best outdoors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Buxaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
