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Family: Boxwood
Type: Shrub
Other Common Name: Littleleaf Box, Korean Boxwood
Buxus microphylla ‘Morris Dwarf’ is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, evergreen shrub. Its compact size and dense foliage make it an ideal candidate for various landscaping designs.
This plant is known for its slow growth rate and rounded, dwarf form. It typically reaches a modest height, making it perfect for small spaces or as a border plant.
Adaptability is a key feature of ‘Morris Dwarf’, thriving in a range of soil types and conditions. It’s also relatively resistant to boxwood blight, adding to its appeal for gardeners.
Hardiness Zone: 5a-8b
Deer Resistant: Yes
Moisture Preference: Average to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Slow
Average Height (feet): 1
Average Spread (feet): 2
Average Life Span (years): 30
Form: Round
Foliage Color: Green
Foliage Shape: Oval
Incorporating ‘Morris Dwarf’ into your yard can create a structured, yet natural appearance. It’s perfect for creating low hedges or garden borders.
This plant pairs well with flowering perennials and other shrubs, adding texture and contrast. Its dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop for brighter blooms.
For a more formal look, ‘Morris Dwarf’ can be shaped into topiaries. Its dense foliage responds well to pruning, allowing for creative garden sculptures.
Buxus microphylla 'Morris Dwarf' shines in formal garden settings. Its ability to be shaped into precise forms complements the structured design of these gardens. The plant's evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, making it a staple in these elegant landscapes.
In cottage gardens, 'Morris Dwarf' adds a touch of neatness and structure amidst the deliberate chaos. Its dense foliage contrasts beautifully with the free-flowing forms of traditional cottage garden plants, creating an appealing visual balance.
For contemporary gardens, the clean lines and compact form of 'Morris Dwarf' make it an excellent choice. It offers a modern, minimalist aesthetic, ideal for those seeking a sleek garden design.
Pair ‘Morris Dwarf’ with colorful annuals to create a vibrant contrast. This combination brings out the rich green of its leaves.
Use it as a foundation plant for its low-growing, uniform shape. It provides a tidy, unobtrusive base for more dramatic plants.
Group multiple ‘Morris Dwarf’ plants for a striking, cohesive look. This approach is perfect for creating symmetry in your garden design.
In spring, Buxus microphylla 'Morris Dwarf' remains a lush green, providing a fresh look to the garden. New growth appears, giving the plant a vibrant, lively appearance.
During summer, 'Morris Dwarf' maintains its deep green color. This consistency makes it a reliable backdrop for summer-flowering plants.
In fall, while many plants lose their leaves, 'Morris Dwarf' keeps its foliage. Its evergreen nature ensures that your garden retains some greenery even as the seasons change.
Winter showcases the strength of 'Morris Dwarf', holding onto its green even in colder months. This resilience makes it a valuable addition to any winter garden, offering color when most plants are dormant.
Buxus microphylla ‘Morris Dwarf’ thrives in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. It’s best suited for spots that are protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can sometimes scorch its leaves.
This plant prefers a balance of sun and shade. Ideal conditions include morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. This balance encourages healthy growth and foliage color.
'Morris Dwarf' is adaptable to various soil types, but it flourishes in well-draining, loamy soil. It's important to ensure the soil is not too wet, as poor drainage can lead to root rot.
When planting, space the shrubs about 1 to 2 feet apart. This spacing allows for their growth into a seamless hedge while ensuring adequate air circulation, crucial for plant health.
The best time to plant ‘Morris Dwarf’ is in the spring or fall. Cooler temperatures and more consistent rainfall during these seasons help the plants establish their root systems.
Plant ‘Morris Dwarf’ at the same depth it was in its nursery container. Water it well after planting and mulch the area to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Regular watering is essential, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, ‘Morris Dwarf’ is moderately drought tolerant, but it benefits from consistent moisture.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and increased susceptibility to pests.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size. ‘Morris Dwarf’ tolerates heavy pruning, which can be beneficial for encouraging thick, lush foliage.
In spring, inspect the plant for winter damage and prune accordingly. This is also the time to apply fertilizer and renew mulch around the base.
During summer, ensure consistent watering, especially in hot, dry periods. Monitor for pest infestations and treat as necessary.
In fall, prepare the plant for winter by reducing watering and clearing any fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
'Morris Dwarf' requires little care in winter. However, in areas with heavy snow, gently brush off the snow from the branches to prevent breakage.
‘Morris Dwarf’ is a slow-growing shrub, typically adding less than an inch of growth per year. This makes it ideal for those seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
Yes, ‘Morris Dwarf’ is considered deer resistant. While no plant is completely deer-proof, its foliage is less appealing to deer compared to many other plants.
Absolutely, ‘Morris Dwarf’ adapts well to container gardening. Ensure the container has adequate drainage and monitor the soil moisture, as potted plants can dry out faster.
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