{"id":680,"date":"2023-05-31T09:28:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T09:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardenershq.com\/inthegarden\/?p=680"},"modified":"2023-09-04T03:36:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T03:36:52","slug":"japanese-boxwood-buxus-microphylla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardenershq.com\/inthegarden\/japanese-boxwood-buxus-microphylla\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Grow Japanese Boxwood (Buxus Microphylla) In Your Garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Buxus Microphylla?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The genus \"Buxus<\/em>\" consists of approximately 70 species. These slow-growing plants feature broadleaf evergreen characteristics with small, leathery, rounded foliage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most popular boxwood's for gardeners to grow is the Buxus microphylla<\/em>, or \"Japanese box\" species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Grow Buxus Microphylla<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Japanese Boxwood plant enjoys planting in loamy soils, with exposure to full sunlight or partial shade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing a location, it is recommended to select an area of the yard receiving dappled shade in the afternoon and full sun in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Buxus
Buxus microphylla<\/em> 'Green Pillow' photograph by Leonora (Ellie) Enking<\/a>; CC BY-SA 2.0.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Providing Shelter and Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Regardless of sunlight conditions, the plant prefers being sheltered from the wind, since it has shallow roots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also needs protection from the heat. So can lay a three-inch layer of mulch around the base to keep it cool in the summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planting the Boxwood in the shade of larger trees is ideal for providing cooler soil temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulching and Pruning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Start mulching two inches (5 cm) away from the base of the hedge. Avoid mulching up to the trunk, as it invites disease and pests. Work outwards to a circumference of around a foot away from the trunk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are growing the Boxwood as a formal screen or hedge, then regular pruning a few times each growing season is necessary to keep growth uniform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soil Conditions and Watering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boxwoods require planting in well-draining soil to avoid root rot. While they can tolerate lower-pH soils, they prefer pH ranges between 6.8 to 7.5 for optimal growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boxwoods require deep weekly watering for the first two years of the growth cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid shallow watering as it won't fully penetrate the root system, slowing growth and foliage production. Mature plants thrive with deep watering every two to four weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boxwoods usually thrive in cooler climates in USDA zones 6 to 9. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're planting in warmer climates, consider increasing watering and planting in the shade. Gardeners in USDA zone 5 may find that the stem tips die back in the presence of cold weather snaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertilizing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can fertilize the Boxwood with all-purpose fertilizers in the early spring, before the emergence of new growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Japanese
Japanese Boxwood photograph by Bri Weldon<\/a>; CC<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Quick Growing and Care Guide<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scientific Name<\/mark>: Buxus microphylla<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Name(s)<\/mark>: Japanese Boxwood, Littleleaf Boxwood<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing Zone (USA \/ UK Hardiness)<\/mark>: USDA Zones: 5-9; UK RHS zone: H5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Used For \/ Garden Location<\/mark>: Hedges, topiaries, borders, and containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant Details<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Life Cycle \/ Plant Type<\/mark>: Evergreen shrub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant Height<\/mark>: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant Spread<\/mark>: 2-4 feet (60-120 cm).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blooms<\/mark>: Spring to early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flower Details<\/mark>: Insignificant, small yellow-green flowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaf Foliage<\/mark>: Small, glossy, dark green leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fruit<\/mark>: Inconspicuous, small brown capsules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing Conditions and Location<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Best Light Conditions<\/mark>: Full sun to part shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suitable Soil Types<\/mark>: Well-drained soil with average fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sowing \/ planting<\/mark>: Plant purchased plants or cuttings in well-prepared soil in spring or fall, spacing them 2-3 feet apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germination time<\/mark>: N\/A (propagated by cuttings).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Propagation<\/mark>: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to early fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant Care<\/mark>: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late spring or early summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing in pots and containers<\/mark>: Yes. Use a well-draining potting mix, and choose a container that allows for root development. Place in a location with bright, indirect light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing as an House plant<\/mark>: Not suitable as a houseplant due to its size and light requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further Information<\/mark><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Miscellaneous<\/mark>: Japanese Boxwood is a popular choice for formal hedges and topiaries due to its dense foliage and ability to withstand shearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pests and diseases<\/mark>: Common pests include boxwood leafminer, boxwood psyllid, and mites. Diseases such as boxwood blight and root rot can also affect the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Cultivars \/ Varieties<\/mark>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n