Boxwood shrubs, belonging to the Buxus genus, are evergreen plants renowned for their dense, compact growth and small, glossy leaves. These shrubs are a favorite in landscaping due to their versatility, as they can be shaped into hedges, topiaries, or used as standalone specimens. Native to regions like Europe, Asia, and North Africa, boxwoods are prized for their year-round greenery, making them ideal for adding structure and elegance to gardens in all seasons.
Boxwoods thrive in a variety of conditions, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. They are relatively low-maintenance, with slow to moderate growth rates that make them easy to prune and shape. Available in numerous cultivars, boxwoods range in size from dwarf varieties under 2 feet to larger shrubs over 6 feet, offering options for small gardens, containers, or expansive landscapes. Their adaptability also extends to cold hardiness, with many varieties suitable for northern climates.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, boxwoods are valued for their durability and resistance to pests and diseases, though some cultivars are more susceptible than others. They are often used in formal gardens for their classic, timeless look, but their versatility also suits modern and informal designs. Whether used for edging, privacy screens, or decorative accents, boxwood shrubs remain a cornerstone of landscape design, providing year-round interest and functionality.
Types of Boxwood Shrubs
Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
The common boxwood, also known as European boxwood, is one of the most widely cultivated species, native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It grows to a height of 5 to 15 feet, depending on the cultivar, and features small, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that remain vibrant year-round. This species is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its dense growth habit makes it ideal for hedging and topiary, and it is often used in formal gardens for its classic, timeless appeal. Common boxwood is also known for its slow growth rate, which makes it easy to maintain in desired shapes.
Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla)
Native to East Asia, the littleleaf boxwood is a compact species that typically grows to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens or container plantings. Its leaves are smaller and lighter green compared to the common boxwood, giving it a finer, more delicate texture. Littleleaf boxwood is highly cold-hardy and tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is often used for low hedges, edging, or as a foundation plant, and its slow growth rate ensures it remains manageable over time.
Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis)
The Korean boxwood, a subspecies of Buxus sinica, is prized for its exceptional cold hardiness, making it an excellent choice for northern climates. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with small, bright green leaves that turn bronze or yellowish in winter, adding seasonal interest. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Korean boxwood is often used for low hedges, borders, or as a groundcover due to its compact size and dense growth habit. Its resilience in colder temperatures makes it a reliable option for year-round greenery.
Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica)
A variety of the littleleaf boxwood, the Japanese boxwood is slightly larger, growing to 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. Its leaves are a deep, glossy green, providing a rich, lush appearance. This variety is highly adaptable, tolerating heat, humidity, and a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Japanese boxwood is commonly used for hedges, topiaries, and foundation plantings, and its moderate growth rate allows for easy shaping and maintenance. It is also more resistant to pests and diseases compared to some other boxwood species.
English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’)
A dwarf cultivar of the common boxwood, the English boxwood is a slow-growing shrub that typically reaches 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. Its small, rounded leaves are a bright green, giving it a soft, refined appearance. This cultivar is a favorite for formal gardens, where it is often shaped into low hedges, parterres, or intricate topiaries. English boxwood thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size makes it ideal for small spaces or container gardens. Its classic look and versatility have made it a timeless choice for traditional landscapes.
Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’)
A hybrid between Buxus sempervirens and Buxus microphylla, ‘Green Velvet’ is a compact, rounded shrub that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. It features bright green, glossy leaves that retain their color throughout the year, even in harsh winters. This cultivar is highly cold-hardy and resistant to pests, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. ‘Green Velvet’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its dense, uniform growth makes it perfect for hedges, borders, or as a foundation plant. Its vibrant foliage adds a fresh, lively touch to landscapes.
Green Gem Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Gem’)
Another hybrid of Buxus sempervirens and Buxus microphylla, ‘Green Gem’ is a dwarf cultivar that grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Its small, dark green leaves have a glossy sheen, and its compact, rounded habit makes it ideal for small gardens, containers, or low hedges. ‘Green Gem’ is highly cold-hardy and tolerant of a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. This cultivar is prized for its neat, tidy appearance and ability to maintain its shape with minimal pruning, making it a favorite for low-maintenance landscapes.
Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen’)
A cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood, ‘Wintergreen’ is known for its exceptional winter hardiness and ability to retain its bright green color even in cold temperatures. It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with a dense, rounded habit. The small, glossy leaves are a vibrant green, providing year-round interest. ‘Wintergreen’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its compact size makes it suitable for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings. Its resilience in harsh winters makes it a reliable choice for colder climates.
Golden Dream Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Golden Dream’)
A striking cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood, ‘Golden Dream’ features variegated foliage with bright golden-yellow margins surrounding green centers. This compact shrub grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for small gardens or as an accent plant. The golden foliage adds a splash of color to landscapes, especially in winter when other plants may fade. ‘Golden Dream’ prefers partial shade to protect its variegation from sun scorch and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Its unique coloration makes it a standout choice for adding visual interest to mixed borders or containers.
Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus ‘Glencoe’)
Developed for its extreme cold hardiness, ‘Chicagoland Green’ is a hybrid boxwood that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Its dark green, glossy leaves remain vibrant throughout the year, even in harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for northern climates. This cultivar has a dense, rounded habit and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its uniform growth makes it ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a specimen shrub. ‘Chicagoland Green’ is a favorite for its durability and classic appearance.
Dee Runk Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’)
‘Dee Runk’ is a columnar cultivar of the common boxwood, growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall but only 2 to 3 feet wide, making it perfect for narrow spaces or as a vertical accent. Its dark green, glossy leaves are densely packed along upright branches, creating a formal, architectural look. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its narrow habit makes it ideal for hedging, privacy screens, or as a focal point in formal gardens. ‘Dee Runk’ is prized for its elegant, statuesque form and ability to add structure to landscapes.
North Star Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘North Star’)
A compact, dwarf cultivar of the common boxwood, ‘North Star’ grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, or low hedges. Its small, dark green leaves have a glossy finish, and its dense, rounded habit requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape. ‘North Star’ is highly cold-hardy and tolerant of a range of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. This cultivar is valued for its neat, tidy appearance and ability to thrive in both sun and shade, making it a versatile choice for modern landscapes.
Baby Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Baby Gem’)
A dwarf cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood, ‘Baby Gem’ is prized for its compact size, growing to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. Its small, bright green leaves have a glossy sheen, and its dense, rounded habit makes it perfect for small gardens, containers, or low hedges. ‘Baby Gem’ is highly cold-hardy and tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. This cultivar is ideal for edging, foundation plantings, or as a neat accent in mixed borders, offering a tidy, refined appearance with minimal maintenance.
Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’)
A hybrid between Buxus sempervirens and Buxus microphylla, ‘Green Mountain’ is a cold-hardy, upright shrub that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Its dark green, glossy leaves retain their color year-round, even in harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for northern climates. This cultivar has a naturally conical shape, making it ideal for formal gardens, hedges, or as a specimen plant. ‘Green Mountain’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its dense growth habit ensures a lush, uniform appearance with minimal pruning.
Winter Beauty Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Winter Beauty’)
Known for its exceptional winter hardiness, ‘Winter Beauty’ is a cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood that grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Its small, bright green leaves take on a bronze or golden hue in winter, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. ‘Winter Beauty’ is perfect for low hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, and its ability to maintain its color in cold temperatures makes it a standout choice for year-round greenery.
Golden Triumph Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Golden Triumph’)
A variegated cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood, ‘Golden Triumph’ features striking golden-yellow margins on its small, green leaves, adding a bright, cheerful touch to landscapes. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for small gardens, containers, or as an accent plant. This cultivar prefers partial shade to protect its variegation from sun scorch and thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. ‘Golden Triumph’ is prized for its unique coloration and compact size, making it a versatile choice for adding visual interest to mixed borders or formal designs.
Fastigiata Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Fastigiata’)
‘Fastigiata’ is a columnar cultivar of the common boxwood, growing to about 6 to 8 feet tall but only 2 to 3 feet wide, with a narrow, upright habit. Its dark green, glossy leaves are densely packed along vertical branches, creating a formal, architectural look. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for hedging, privacy screens, or as a vertical accent in gardens. ‘Fastigiata’ is valued for its elegant, statuesque form and ability to add structure to landscapes without taking up much horizontal space.
Vardar Valley Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Vardar Valley’)
A low-growing, spreading cultivar of the common boxwood, ‘Vardar Valley’ reaches about 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, with a mounded, slightly irregular habit. Its small, dark green leaves have a bluish-green undertone, giving it a unique, subtle color variation. This cultivar is highly cold-hardy and thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. ‘Vardar Valley’ is often used for low hedges, groundcovers, or as a foundation plant, and its spreading habit adds a soft, informal touch to landscapes.
Green Pillow Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Green Pillow’)
A dwarf cultivar of the littleleaf boxwood, ‘Green Pillow’ is a low-growing, cushion-like shrub that reaches about 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Its small, bright green leaves are densely packed, creating a soft, pillow-like appearance. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, making it ideal for edging, rock gardens, or container plantings. ‘Green Pillow’ is prized for its compact, tidy form and ability to add a neat, low-maintenance accent to small spaces.
Justin Brouwers Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Justin Brouwers’)
A dwarf cultivar of the Korean boxwood, ‘Justin Brouwers’ grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, with a compact, rounded habit. Its small, dark green leaves retain their color year-round, even in cold climates, making it a reliable choice for northern gardens. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its dense growth makes it perfect for low hedges, borders, or container gardens. ‘Justin Brouwers’ is valued for its neat, tidy appearance and ability to maintain its shape with minimal pruning.
Kingsville Dwarf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla ‘Kingsville Dwarf’)
One of the smallest boxwood cultivars, ‘Kingsville Dwarf’ grows to only 1 to 1.5 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for miniature gardens, rock gardens, or container plantings. Its tiny, bright green leaves have a fine, delicate texture, and its slow growth rate ensures it remains compact over time. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and its diminutive size makes it perfect for adding structure to small-scale landscapes. ‘Kingsville Dwarf’ is a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts and gardeners seeking a petite, refined shrub.
Elegantissima Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’)
A variegated cultivar of the common boxwood, ‘Elegantissima’ features small, dark green leaves with creamy-white margins, adding a bright, elegant touch to landscapes. It grows to about 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, with a dense, rounded habit. This cultivar prefers partial shade to protect its variegation from sun scorch and thrives in well-drained soil. ‘Elegantissima’ is ideal for hedges, borders, or as an accent plant, and its unique foliage makes it a standout choice for adding visual interest to formal or mixed gardens.
Rotundifolia Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Rotundifolia’)
A cultivar of the common boxwood, ‘Rotundifolia’ is known for its larger, rounder leaves compared to other boxwoods, giving it a softer, more relaxed appearance. It grows to about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, with a dense, bushy habit. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it suitable for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a specimen shrub. ‘Rotundifolia’ is valued for its unique leaf shape and ability to add a lush, informal touch to landscapes while maintaining the classic evergreen appeal of boxwoods.
Spring Grove Boxwood (Buxus ‘Spring Grove’)
A hybrid boxwood, ‘Spring Grove’ is a cold-hardy, upright shrub that grows to about 4 to 5 feet tall and wide, with a dense, rounded habit. Its dark green, glossy leaves remain vibrant year-round, even in harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for northern climates. This cultivar thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and its uniform growth makes it ideal for hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. ‘Spring Grove’ is prized for its durability, classic appearance, and ability to add structure and year-round greenery to landscapes.