Wintergreen Boxwood

Buxus microphylla japonica 'Wintergreen'

Family: Boxwood

Type: Shrub

Other Common Name: Littleleaf Box, Korean Boxwood

Wintergreen Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub known for its vibrant green foliage and versatile nature. It’s a go-to choice for gardeners and landscapers due to its hardy and adaptable characteristics. This plant thrives in a variety of climates, making it a reliable choice for many gardens.

Its dense, compact growth habit allows for easy shaping and maintenance, making it ideal for both formal and informal garden designs. The Wintergreen Boxwood is especially favored for creating hedges, borders, and topiaries. Its ability to withstand frequent trimming and shaping contributes to its popularity in landscape design.

This evergreen shrub not only adds year-round color to your garden but also serves as a natural privacy screen. Its resistance to deer and pests, coupled with its tolerance to different soil types, makes it a hassle-free addition to any outdoor space.

Needs & Preferences

Hardiness Zone: 4a-9a

Deer Resistant: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Moisture Preference: Average to moist

Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade

Growth

Growth Rate: Slow

Average Height (feet): 3

Average Spread (feet): 3

Average Life Span (years): 30

Form: Round

Ornamental

Foliage Color: Green

Foliage Shape: Round

Landscaping Your Yard With Wintergreen Boxwood

Integrating Wintergreen Boxwood into your yard enhances the overall aesthetic with its lush, green appearance. Its versatility makes it suitable for various landscaping styles, from formal gardens to casual settings.

These shrubs can be planted individually as focal points or grouped to form hedges and borders. Their ability to be shaped allows for creative topiary designs, adding a unique touch to your garden.

Using Wintergreen Boxwood in foundation plantings provides a neat, structured look to your home’s exterior. Their evergreen nature ensures that your yard remains vibrant and lively throughout the year.

wintergreen_boxwood_buxus_microphylla_japonica_wintergreen_plant_by_number

Suitable Garden Styles

Formal Gardens

In formal garden designs, Wintergreen Boxwood plays a crucial role. Its ability to be precisely trimmed suits the symmetrical and geometric layouts of these gardens. Typically used in parterres or hedge mazes, it adds a sense of elegance and order.

Cottage Gardens

For a cottage garden style, Wintergreen Boxwood adds structure to an otherwise free-flowing and whimsical space. It serves as a backdrop for colorful perennial flowers, highlighting their natural beauty and creating a harmonious balance.

Contemporary Landscapes

In contemporary landscape designs, the clean lines and minimalist approach of Wintergreen Boxwood are ideal. It complements modern architectural elements and is often used in sleek, linear plantings or as sculptural focal points.

Wintergreen Boxwood Landscaping Ideas

Create a stunning border by planting a row of Wintergreen Boxwood along walkways or garden paths. Their neat appearance provides a crisp, clean edge to your landscape design.

Mix Wintergreen Boxwood with flowering plants for a vibrant contrast. The evergreen foliage serves as a perfect backdrop, making the colors of the flowers pop.

For a low-maintenance garden, use Wintergreen Boxwood as the primary plant. Its slow growth rate and easy upkeep make it a practical choice for busy gardeners.

Seasonal Interest

Spring

In spring, the Wintergreen Boxwood bursts into new growth, displaying bright green leaves. This rejuvenation adds a fresh and lively look to your garden, symbolizing the awakening of nature.

Summer

During summer, the foliage of Wintergreen Boxwood deepens into a rich green, providing a lush backdrop to summer blooms. Its dense foliage offers cool, shaded spots in the garden.

Fall

As fall arrives, Wintergreen Boxwood maintains its deep green color, standing out against the changing autumn colors. It offers a constant visual anchor in a season of transformation.

Winter

In winter, the Wintergreen Boxwood remains green, bringing much-needed color to the otherwise dormant landscape. Its resilience to cold and snow makes it a standout feature in winter gardens.

Companion Plants

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Patriot Hosta

Hosta 'Patriot'

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Japanese Painted Fern

Athyrium Nippocum 'Pictum'

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Planting Tips

Where to Plant

Wintergreen Boxwood thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight exposure. Ideal locations are those that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, providing a balanced environment for growth. Avoid planting in heavily shaded areas, as this can impede growth.

Light

These shrubs prefer a balance of sun and shade. They perform best in locations with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day, followed by partial shade. Too much sun can lead to leaf scorch, while too little can cause sparse growth.

Soil

Wintergreen Boxwood is adaptable to a range of soil types but flourishes in well-drained, loamy soil. Ensure the soil is slightly acidic to neutral for optimal growth. Poor drainage can lead to root rot, so avoid overly wet areas.

Spacing

When planting Wintergreen Boxwood, allow a distance of about 2 to 3 feet between each shrub. This spacing accommodates their growth and ensures adequate air circulation, which is vital for preventing fungal diseases.

When to Plant

The best time to plant Wintergreen Boxwood is during the cooler months of spring or fall. Planting in mild weather allows the shrubs to establish roots without the stress of extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.

How to Plant

Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it’s level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Plant Care Tips

Watering

Regular watering is crucial, especially for newly planted shrubs. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Established plants are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from consistent moisture.

Fertilizing

Fertilize Wintergreen Boxwood in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth, making the plants more susceptible to damage in winter.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning helps maintain shape and promotes dense growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches to keep the plant healthy.

By Season

 

Spring Care

In spring, apply a fresh layer of mulch and a balanced fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth. Monitor water needs as the weather warms up, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

Summer Care

During summer, maintain consistent watering, especially in periods of drought. Monitor for pest infestations or diseases and treat accordingly. Pruning is not recommended in summer as it can expose new growth to harsh sun.

Fall Care

Prepare Wintergreen Boxwood for winter by reducing watering and stopping fertilization. A light pruning may be done to shape the shrubs, but avoid heavy trimming that stimulates new growth.

Winter Care

In winter, protect the plants from extreme cold and drying winds with burlap screens if necessary. Avoid over-watering but ensure the soil doesn’t completely dry out. Pruning is not recommended in winter.

Plant Alternatives

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Morris Dwarf Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Morris Dwarf'

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Green Mountain Boxwood

Buxus x 'Green Mountain'

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Winter Gem Boxwood

Buxus Microphylla 'Winter Gem'

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FAQ

How Fast Do Wintergreen Boxwoods Grow?

Wintergreen Boxwoods are slow-growing shrubs, typically growing about 3-6 inches per year. Their growth rate can be influenced by factors like sunlight, soil quality, and overall care.

Can Wintergreen Boxwood Grow in Shade?

While Wintergreen Boxwood can tolerate partial shade, it thrives best in locations with a balance of sun and shade. Too much shade can lead to sparse, leggy growth.

Are Wintergreen Boxwoods Deer Resistant?

Yes, Wintergreen Boxwoods are considered deer resistant. Their dense foliage and aromatic leaves are generally unappealing to deer, making them a great choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.

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