Korean Littleleaf Boxwood

(Buxus koreana)

Korean Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus koreana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Littleleaf Boxwood, is an evergreen shrub native to the open woodlands and rocky hillsides of South Korea and Japan. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters), with a dense, rounded form. The small, glossy, dark green leaves are evergreen, providing year-round interest. While not known for showy flowers, it produces inconspicuous yellow-green blooms in spring.

Korean Littleleaf Boxwood is valued for its compact size and its ability to be shaped through pruning, making it an excellent choice for formal gardens, hedges, and topiary. It is also used in foundation plantings and as a low-growing border. This boxwood is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is adaptable to full sun or part shade and requires medium amounts of water. It is less susceptible to boxwood blight than some other species but can be affected by boxwood leafminer and psyllids. To prevent these issues, maintain good air circulation and practice proper sanitation by removing fallen leaves.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-2.5 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and rocky hillsides of South Korea and Japan

Other Names

Common Names: Korean Boxwood, ChŌSen-Hime-Tsuge, Hoeyangmog

Scientific Names: , Buxus microphylla var. koreana, Buxus sinica var. insularis, Buxus microphylla var. insularis, Buxus koreana, Buxus koreana f. insularis, Buxus koreana f. elongata, Buxus sinica var. koreana, Buxus japonica var. insularis, Buxus koreana subsp. elongata

GBIF Accepted Name: Buxus sinica var. insularis (Nakai) M.Cheng