Plant Finder

Other Names:  Common Box

Description:

This is a selection of the popular topiary box that is trained to grow on a single stem by pruning, so will require annual pruning to keep it in shape; makes a stunning accent piece for the garden or front yard, or in a patio container

Ornamental Features

Common Boxwood (tree form) is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its highly ornamental lollipop-like shape. It has rich green evergreen foliage. The small round leaves remain green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Common Boxwood (tree form) is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, selected and trained to grow in a small tree-like form with the primary plant grafted high atop a standard. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting bees to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Common Boxwood (tree form) is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use
• Topiary
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Common Boxwood (tree form) will grow to be about 10 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Common Boxwood (tree form) makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.