boxwood

Boxwood is the common name for evergreen shrubs and small trees in the genus Buxus, family Buxaceae. Native to parts of Europe, the Mediterranean region, and western Asia, boxwoods have been cultivated for centuries and are widely used in ornamental landscapes, especially as formal hedges and topiary.

Most boxwood species are compact, slow-growing evergreens with dense, opposite leaves. Leaves are small, oval, typically 1–3 cm long, with a leathery, glossy surface and paler undersides. The bark is smooth and gray-brown. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually yellow-green and borne in clusters; fruit is a small capsule.

Common cultivated species include Buxus sempervirens (European boxwood) and Buxus microphylla (Japanese boxwood). They prefer well-drained soils and moderate moisture, and tolerate full sun to partial shade. Boxwoods are drought-tolerant once established, but do not thrive in waterlogged soils. They respond well to regular pruning, making them popular for formal hedges, balls, and intricate topiary shapes. Many cultivars are selected for foliage size, leaf color, and growth habit, such as the compact B. sempervirens cultivars used in dense hedges and topiary forms.

Uses extend beyond landscaping. Boxwood wood is extremely dense and fine-grained, valued for carving, inlays, and instrument making. Throughout history, it has been prized for its workability and pale, uniform color.

Pests and diseases pose ongoing challenges. Boxwood blight and boxwood leafminers or psyllids can cause defoliation and unsightly damage, while the box tree moth can rapidly defoliate and weaken plants. Management emphasizes sanitation, proper spacing for air flow, disease-free stock, and appropriate pruning.