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Boxwood existed long before biblical times; in fact, fossilized boxwood plants date back more than 22 million years. In the first century B.C., wealthy Greeks and Romans landscaped their villas with boxwood topiaries and used the wood for utensils, tablets and ornaments. Pollen grains discovered in England date to 2000 B.C.
Nathaniel Sylvester planted the first boxwood in the U.S. in 1652 on his Long Island Plantation. It is believed the boxwood was brought from Amsterdam. -
Of the 30 species of boxwood, two species, Buxus semperviren and Buxus microphylla and their cultivars are the primary species used for ornamentals. Cultivars propagate by cuttings and produce a clone of the original plant. Horticulturists select and cultivate specific cultivars to enhance color, texture, size, leaf shape and any other desirable traits.
Buxus sempervirens, commonly called American boxwood, is a shrub or small tree with dense, evergreen leaves. Cultivars of the American boxwood differ in overall shape, leaf color and height. The most widely used cultivars are Angustifolia, a tree-like bush with large leaves; Elegantissima, with leaves edged in cream; Graham Blandy, a tall and upright boxwood; Pendula, which grows to small tree; Suffruticosa, commonly known as edging or English boxwood; and Vardar Valley, a flat-topped shrub with dark blue-green foliage.
Buxus microphylla, known as Japanese or Littleleaf boxwood, is a low-growing shrub with small leaves. The most commonly used cultivars are Compacta or Kingsville Dwarf, a low-growing plant with dense green leaves; Curly Locks, a shrub with twisted branches that create a thick mound of yellow-green leaves; and Green Pillow, a slow-growing evergreen that may reach 3 to 4 feet. Green Beauty, a compact bush with glossy green leaves, and Morris Midget, a slow-growing shrub with yellow-green leaves, are also popular. -
American boxwood may reach a height of 20 feet but generally grows to between 5 and 10 feet. Its oval leaves range from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches in length and are dark green on top and yellow-green underneath.
Japanese boxwood is a compact shrub that may reach a height of 3 feet. Its rich green leaves range in size from 1/4 to 1 inch in length and may be lanced. - American boxwood used as a screening plant for privacy or as a windbreak provides an attractive evergreen barrier. Used as an accent plant, it creates visual appeal in the yard. Japanese boxwood used as a hedge or as edging to lawns and formal gardens creates an attractive border. As a rock garden specimen, Japanese boxwood brightens the area with its rich green leaves and compact growth.
- Consider the overall size, shape and color of the boxwood at maturity before purchasing or planting. American boxwood grows in colder areas and thrives, while Japanese boxwood suffers in colder climates. Japanese boxwood thrives in bright sunshine and is unfazed by hot, dry weather.
