Additional Information about Buxus sempervirens

American boxwood is a classic, large-growing upright rounded boxwood. In an ideal environment, the plant will continue to grow for 75 to 150 years and develop into a massive shrub (sometimes as large as 15 ft. tall and wide or more). It has excellent dark green winter foliage and cuttings are a favorite for holiday decorations. Be especially careful to plant this cultivar in areas with good drainage. Deer resistant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus sempervirens

Prune American boxwood lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain desired habit. It tolerates more radical pruning if the plant has outgrown its desired size. Use hand pruners, shears, and loppers. Thin in winter for holiday decorations or early spring before new growth appears to increase airflow and light penetration into the interior of the plant thus reducing the incidence of disease.

American boxwood is somewhat resistant to boxwood leafminer and somewhat tolerant to boxwood blight. When planted properly in well drained soils, this plant has few other pest or disease problems.  

Interesting Notes about Buxus sempervirens

Comments: This boxwood has been the backbone of many Colonial American landscapes for many years. Take care to avoid using this plant where it will ultimately be too large for the landscape. Maintain good airflow in and around American boxwood to lessen incidence of boxwood blight. Even when infected with boxwood blight, we have seen this plant continue to thrive when lower limbs were removed to reduce splash up and the plant was thinned to increase airflow.

Uses: Tall specimen, allée, tall hedge, medium hedge, foundation plant, foliage for holiday decorations

Substitutes: ‘Jim Stauffer’