Buxus - Boxwood

(Bux'us)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about thirty hardy and tender, evergreen shrubs and small trees. Buxus, commonly known as Boxwoods, are natives of Europe and Asia. Because of their neat appearance, Boxwoods are highly valued for growing as hedges, for bordering paths and beds, and for clipping for topiary work. Boxwoods produce male and female flowers on the same plant, though they are not of any great beauty since they are small and drab. The leaves are leathery and arranged opposite each other on the twigs. The wood of these plants is close-grained, heavy, and yellowish colored. B. balearica is a tender, large shrub or small tree with leathery, bright green leaves, 11/2 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. B. sempervirens 'Latifolia Maculata' is a medium-sized shrub that makes an excellent slow-growing, compact hedge. Its leaves are mottled with yellow.

POTTING: Boxwoods can grow in a variety of soils, in sun or shade; however, they will flourish if they receive sun for at least part of the day. They should be planted in the spring or early fall. Boxwoods need very little pruning, unless of course they are used for topiary work; they should then be clipped in April or May.

PROPAGATION: In July, cuttings of short young shoots can be inserted in a bed of sandy soil in a cold frame, or in pots set outside and covered with a bell jar, or set in a frame. Seeds may also be sown as soon as ripe in flats set in a cold frame until they sprout. The dwarf edging varieties may be increased by division in late summer or spring.

VARIETIES: B. balearica (for mild climates); B. microphylla; B. sempervirens & var. Aurea Maculata, aureovariegata, elegantissima, gold tip, handsworthensis, japonica aurea, latifolia maculata, suffruticosa.

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