UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS HORTICULTURE 3103 SUMMARY SHEET

SCIENTIFIC NAME
 
COMMON NAME
Buxus sempervirens L.
 
Southern Boxwood
PLANT FAMILY
SIZE GROUP
PLANT TYPE
Buxaceae
4-5
evergreen shrub


GROWTH HABIT, RATE:
Dense, rounded outline, although normally pruned, so it might be hard to tell. Grows slowly to 20 feet, can get taller.

ADAPTABILITY:
Prefers soil of pH 6 or higher, some protection in winter in north.

FUNCTIONS:
Hedge, specimen, foundation, maze, accent.

PROBLEMS AND MAINTENANCE:
Root rot is a problem in poorly drained soils. New growth is sensitive to late spring frosts. Plants are not salt tolerant. Root knot nematode. A peculiar smell on sunny days, especially noticeable in late winter.

NATIVE RANGE:
Mediterranean region, Asia Minor

USEFUL RANGE (USDA Zones):
Zones 5-8, cultivar dependent

SUBSPECIES, VARIETIES, CULTIVARS:
A large number are available, many selections for variegation and cold-hardiness, see Dirr.

Hort 3103 List Twelve