Boxwood Varieties: English vs. Japanese & Top Cultivars

Nurseries primarily offer two species:

English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

Native to Europe/N. Africa/W. Asia. Larger, holds green color in sun or shade. Leaves tapered, widest at base. Cultivars:

• 'Newport Blue' – bluish-green, dense, wider than tall
• 'Suffruticosa' – true dwarf edging boxwood
• 'Argenteo-Variegata' – variegated, brightens shade
• 'Graham Blandy' – narrow columnar accent
• 'Pyramidalis' – upright pyramidal form

Japanese Boxwood (B. microphylla)

Native to Japan. Smaller, rounded leaves (widest at center). May bronze in winter sun; light spring pruning cleans it up. Cultivar:

• 'Emerald Jewel' (var. koreana) – 2 ft, very hardy

Hybrid

• 'Green Mountain' – English × Japanese cross; excellent cold hardiness, good winter color

Culture Tips: Sun or shade; shallow roots, not drought-tolerant. Mulch lightly—thick mulch causes root rot in the South. Prune hedges wider at base than top for light penetration.