Evergreen Shrub – Japanese Boxwood

Japanese boxwood 

 Botanical name: buxus microphylla var. japonica 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 4-6 ft in height with a spread of 3-4 ft 

Hardy zone:  zones 5-9 

Foliage color:  green, yellow, orange

Growth rate:  grows 6-12 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: prune during the late winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the spring or summer 

Landscape use:  borders, hedges, container plant, foundation planting, topiary 

Light needs: 3-5 hours of sun per day 

Special features: deer resistant, drought tolerant, adaptable to poor soil

Watering instructions: allow the soil to dry out almost completely between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall

Best type of soil: clay or loam 

Companion plants: lavender, japanese maple, mondo grass, spirea

Toxicity level: highly toxic for pets if ingested and mildly toxic for humans if ingested 

Invasive species: no