Buxus microphylla japonica
Boxwood
Buxaceae Family
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leaf form of Buxus microphylla japonica
Form: dense, heavily branched shrub; broad and rounded in natural form; often shaped
Seasonality: evergreen
Size: 2-4ft with equal spread
Leaves: opposite, simple, ovate, margin entire, shiny dark green; leaf coloration may change in winter, sometimes yellow, brownish or reddish
Flowers: not ornamental; small whitish flowers in leaf axils; bloom in spring; pleasant aroma is more noticeable than the flowers
Fruit: small capsule
Stems/Trunks: distinctive stems are flattened, with an angular, square feel
Range/Origin: Japan; in cultivation for centuries
Hardiness: to 0°FLANDSCAPE VALUE:
- accent
- small hedge or border
- bonsai and topiary
CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Buxus microphylla
- Exposure: full to part sun; does not take reflected head
- Water: moderate; supplement for best landscape character
- Soil: prepared, good drainage
- Propagation: vegetative cuttings
- Maintenance: low to high; low if left in natural form, high if clipped to shape
NOTES:aka Japanese boxwood
responds well to being shaped for formal borders, Mickey Mouse ears, etc.
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This page was first created July 2, 2001 and last modified April 18, 2005.
Web page design and photographs by Toni Moore, Master Gardener
email to: tmoore1@flash.net© 2001 - 2005 Arizona Board of Regents. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.