Evergreen
Edging boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'
Edging boxwood forms a dense, rounded evergreen shrub with fine foliage that gives paths and planting beds a steady outline through the year. This slow-growing cultivar typically reaches about 2–3 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, though old, unclipped plants may eventually reach 4–5 feet in height. In Southwest Washington, it suits low edging, small hedges, containers, and foundation details where there is room for air to circulate. Give it full sun to partial shade, shelter from harsh winter sun and wind, and evenly moist, well-drained soil. Its small spring flowers are inconspicuous; foliage and compact structure carry the display.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- Typically about 2–3 ft; older unclipped plants may reach 4–5 ft
- Mature spread
- About 2–4 ft
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–8
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its dense, rounded habit defines low borders and small formal hedges. It also fits containers and foundation plantings where a compact evergreen shape is useful.
Where to plant
Allow for a mature spread of about 2–4 feet and leave room for air to move around the foliage. Shelter it from harsh winter sun and wind.
Through the seasons
Fine evergreen foliage provides year-round structure. Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Southwest Washington’s damp periods make airflow and cleanup especially useful around boxwood. Watch for box blight symptoms and check leaves for boxwood leafminer.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in well-drained soil and keep moisture reasonably even. Avoid soggy roots and protect the shallow root zone with mulch.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune lightly after the last frost and thin dead interior growth to improve airflow. Maintain mulch over the shallow roots, and water the soil rather than wetting dense foliage.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Box blight
Leaf spots, blackened stems, leaf drop, and dieback.
Help your plant thrive
Allow airflow, remove fallen debris, keep foliage dry when watering, and clean tools after working with affected plants.
Boxwood leafminer
Blistered or discolored leaves with mines inside.
Help your plant thrive
Check foliage regularly and use regional guidance to time any controls.
A little more inspiration
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