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Cornell University

Species: Buxus sempervirens

(buk'sus ko-ree-ay'nah sem-purr-veye'renz)

Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood; Boxwood; Common Box

Found on Course Walks

Broad-leaved Evergreens

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

None Listed

Ornamental Characteristics

Shrub < 4 feet

3' - 4' (equal spread)

Evergreen

compact; mounded shrub

full sun to light shade; tolerance to exposure; cold-hardy

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun, Part shade, Shade

5b

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Light blue to blue-gray foliage; foliage will turn yellow or bronze in winter depending on cultivar. Salt spray in winter makes foliage discoloration worse.

Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

less troubled by insects than B. microphylla; relatively trouble-free; possible mite infestations

Bare Root Transplanting


Other

native to Africa, Asia, Europe, Asia Minor; slow growth rate; leaves are toxic to livestock; transplant B&B or from container

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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