Buxus sempervirens
TAXONOMY
FamilyBuxaceae
GenusBuxus
Zone5
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Buxus sempervirens, commonly known as common boxwood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Buxaceae, native to western and southern Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. Boxwood is known for its dense, evergreen foliage and is often used in hedges and topiary. It has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Box
Buxus angustifolia
Buxus arborescens
Buxus argentea
Buxus aurea
Buxus caucasica
Buxus colchica
Buxus crispa
Buxus cucullata
Buxus elegantissima
Buxus fruticosa
Buxus handsworthii
Buxus hyrcana
Buxus macrophylla
Buxus marginata
Buxus mucronata
Buxus myrtifolia
Buxus rosmarinifolia
Buxus salicifolia
Buxus sempervirens subsp. hyrcana
Buxus sempervirens var. angustifolia
Buxus sempervirens var. arborescens
Buxus sempervirens var. grandifolia
Buxus sempervirens var. myrtifolia
Buxus sempervirens var. rosmarinifolium
Buxus sempervirens var. rotundifolia
Buxus sempervirens var. suffruticosa
Buxus suffruticosa
Buxus tenuifolia
Buxus variegata
Buxus vulgaris
Caucasian boxwood
Common boxwood
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature15° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Boxwood prefers moderate temperatures and should be placed in a location with bright, indirect light. It thrives in temperate climates and requires regular watering, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Maintain moderate humidity levels to keep the plant healthy.Soil
Boxwood prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand can provide the ideal growing medium.Fertilizer
Fertilize boxwood with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.Repotting
Repot boxwood every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, trim any damaged roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Boxwood can be propagated through cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Take semi-hardwood cuttings about 10-15 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a humid environment until roots develop.Pruning
Prune boxwood in late spring or early summer to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and prevents it from becoming too leggy.Toxicity
Boxwood is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain alkaloids that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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