Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000234
11/12/99

Buxus sempervirens--Common Boxwood


Hardiness Zones: 6 to 8
Height: 15 ft Spread: 15 ft Form: rounded
Type: broad-leaved evergreen shrub
Annual Growth Rate: less than 12 inches

Comments: Common Boxwood is a large shrub (Vis. 4) that
tolerates shearing. The foliage is often injured by cold
temperatures when the plant is grown in northern gardens.
The shrub is usually present in northern landscapes in the
form of one of its cultivars.

Cultivars:
'Arborescens' - A rapid-growing, wide, upright tall
shrub or small tree reaching a height of 10 to 12
feet.
'Asheville' - A pyramidal plant reaching a height of 5
feet and a spread of 3 feet.
'Glencoe' (Chicagoland Green(R) ) - A broad-oval habit
and good green color year round are combined with
good cold temperature tolerance (Vis. 1).
'Graham Blandy' - A narrow, columnar form.
'Joe Gable' - An open, pyramidal plant, 6 feet tall and 4
feet wide.
'Newport Blue' - A wide mound with stiff upright
branches and large blue-green leaves. Selected in
the 1940's by Boulevard Nurseries in Newport, RI.
'Suffruticosa' - A dwarf, compact plant ideal for a low
hedge. Reaches a height of about 3 feet (Vis. 2).
'Vardar Valley' - A hardy, low-growing boxwood with
dark green foliage that is retained year-round. The
plant has a low, compact habit and reaches a height
of about 2 feet and a spread of 3 feet (Vis. 3).
'Welleri' - This cultivar has a spread and height of 3
feet as well as better winter hardiness when compared
to the species. Best grown in a protected site in
northern climates.

References for Cultivars: Weston Nurseries 1997, Lake
County Nursery 1997, Bailey Nurseries 1999, Chicagoland
Grows Inc 1994, Spring Meadow Nursery 1999. Iseli Nursery
1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Scarff's Nursery 1999, Gee
Farms 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999, Willoway Nurseries
1999, Carlton Plants 1999.



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