Japanese Box
(Buxus microphylla)
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla)
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Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Nova | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Buxus_microphylla_'Korean_Compact'_2019-06-01_04.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Japan. It typically grows to a height and width of 1 meter (3.3 feet), but can reach up to 4 meters (13 feet) under optimal conditions. This plant is characterized by its upright trunk, which is about 10 cm thick, and its bark, which ranges in color from grayish white to pale brown. It is commonly found in open woodlands and scrublands in its native habitat.
The Japanese Box is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions around the world due to its suitability for topiary and low hedging. It is particularly valued for its dense, compact growth habit and its small, glossy leaves, which remain green throughout the year. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade, requires moderate watering, and prefers well-drained soils. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to box blight and box tree moth in some regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Japanese Box is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions around the world due to its suitability for topiary and low hedging. It is particularly valued for its dense, compact growth habit and its small, glossy leaves, which remain green throughout the year. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun to part shade, requires moderate watering, and prefers well-drained soils. It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to box blight and box tree moth in some regions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Loam and sandy soils, dry places
Other Names
Common Names: Japanese Box , Kleinblättriger Buchsbaum , Småbladig Buxbom , Hime-Tsuge
Scientific Names: Buxus microphylla , Buxus rotundifolia , Buxus microphylla f. major , Buxus microphylla f. tenuis , Buxus virens , Buxus obcordata , Buxus obcordata-variegata , Buxus ovalifolia , Buxus sempervirens var. microphylla
GBIF Accepted Name: Buxus microphylla Siebold & Zucc.