Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens )-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Common Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood, hybrid 'Green Gem'
Common Boxwood, hybrid 'Green Gem'
 
Features
Evergreen leaves  
 
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; mulch to keep root system cool and moist; does well in alkaline soils; the evergreen foliage needs to be protected from drying winds in winter. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Suffruiticosa' - Compact, slow growing, 3-4 feet tall

Hybrids between Buxus microphylla var. koreana and Buxus sempervirens:

  • 'Glencoe' (Chicagoland Green®)- Maintains good color in winter, 2-3 feet tall.
  • 'Green Gem' - Maintains good color in winter, mounded habit; 2 feet tall.
  • 'Green Mountain' -Foliage turns bronze in winter, habit is more upright than other hybrids.
  • 'Green Mound' - Mounded habit, 3 feet tall.
  • 'Green Velvet' - Rounded habit, 4 feet tall.
 
 
Mature Height
15-20 Feet (Some cultivars smaller)
 
Size
Small
Medium
Large
 
 
Mature Width
15-20 Feet (Some cultivars smaller)
 
Mature Form
Rounded to broad rounded; evergreen. 
 
Native To:
Southern Europe, Asia and Africa 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Hedge
Screen
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Insect Damage

Insect Relative Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Canker, leaf blight, leaf spot, mites, scale, leaf miners, mealy bugs and webworms are possible problems.

Success in growing boxwood in zone 5 depends on careful selection of winter hardy cultivars; winter injury and sun scald are common injuries seen on this evergreen shrub.

 
Additional Notes

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic