Buxus (Boxwood)
Boxwood (Buxus) is a highly versatile shrub known for its dense, evergreen foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, it’s a staple in both formal and casual landscapes.
Habit: Boxwood typically forms a dense, compact mound or hedge, making it perfect for edging, bordering, and creating geometric shapes. It can also be shaped into topiary forms, proving its adaptability and aesthetic flexibility.
Hardiness: With varieties suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, Boxwood is incredibly resilient. It can tolerate both drought and frost, though it prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Foliage: The foliage is typically a dense cloud of small, glossy, dark green leaves that remain green throughout all seasons.
Uses: Due to its compact habit and evergreen nature, Boxwood serves multiple purposes in the landscape. It’s often used for creating formal hedges, dividers, or privacy screens. Additionally, its shape-retaining quality makes it ideal for topiaries. In pots or planters, it can be a standalone feature or part of a mixed arrangement.
Deer and Rabbit: Boxwood is generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.
Toxicity: Boxwood plants are toxic if ingested by humans and animals.
Buxus is highly valued for its use in formal gardens and topiaries, its resilience, and its year-round color. It has a long history of use in Europe, dating back to Roman times. Despite its toxicity, it has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia.
