Boxwood Common
Buxus sempervirens
The classic evergreen shrub prized for its dense, fine-textured foliage and exceptional tolerance to pruning and shaping. Perfect for formal hedges, topiaries, and foundation plantings, boxwood provides year-round structure to the garden. This slow-growing shrub can be maintained at any desired height and is a cornerstone of traditional landscape design.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full sun
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
5-20 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Boxwood Common in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Boxwood Common · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Wet. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Slow. Propagation: Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Globose, 1/3 inch dehiscent capsule that matures to brown.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring
History & Origin
Origin: Europe to N. Iran, N. Africa
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Rabbits
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Repels pests like moths and beetles, shares similar soil and sun requirements
Rosemary
Deters harmful insects and thrives in similar well-draining soil conditions
Hosta
Provides contrasting foliage texture and thrives in partial shade beneath boxwood
Catnip
Natural pest deterrent that repels ants, aphids, and rodents
Marigold
Repels nematodes and aphids while adding colorful blooms
Astilbe
Complements boxwood in shade gardens and adds seasonal color
Heuchera
Provides colorful foliage contrast and shares similar growing conditions
Impatiens
Adds seasonal color in shaded areas and benefits from boxwood's wind protection
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to boxwood and can cause yellowing and decline
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that can inhibit boxwood root development
Pine Trees
Creates acidic soil conditions and dense shade that boxwood cannot tolerate long-term
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to boxwood blight in humid conditions
Common Pests
Boxwood leafminer, psyllids, mites
Diseases
Boxwood blight, root rot, leaf spot