« Previous Plant  | 

Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Nana'

Insularis Boxwood

Low spreading habit with lime green foliage in early spring that transitions to olive green in summer. Light annual pruning creates a stronger and denser plant. Excellent disease resistance. Deer resistant.

  • »  Slow to medium growth rate; 1"-3" per year


  • Category:Shrubs
  • Hardiness Zone:6-8
  • Tall:1-2 Feet
  • Wide:3 Feet

Additional Information about Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Nana'

Low spreading habit with lime green foliage in early spring that transitions to olive green in summer. Light annual pruning creates a stronger and denser plant. Excellent disease resistance. Deer resistant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Nana'

Prune insularis ‘Nana’ lightly in late winter or early spring to make a stronger and denser plant. This cultivar can be pruned with shears or hand pruners. Thinning is not typically necessary but, if this cultivar is sheared heavily, some thinning in late winter to early spring will allow air and sunlight to penetrate the plant.

Insularis ‘Nana’ is very resistant to boxwood leaf miner and very tolerant to boxwood blight. It has few pest or disease issues when planted and cared for properly.

Interesting Notes about Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Nana'

Comments: ‘Nana’ is becoming increasingly popular due to its tolerance to boxwood blight and resistance to boxwood leafminer. An annual light pruning will help develop rigidity in this boxwood and lessen the chance of the plant opening up in the center as it matures. Recent testing data indicates ‘Nana’ and ‘Franklin’s Gem’ are basically the same plant.

Uses: Small specimen, low hedge, foundation plant, edging, parterre or knot garden

Substitutes: ‘Franklin’s Gem’, ‘Little Missy’, ‘Justin Brouwers’, ‘Vardar Valley’