Also known as Boxwood · 1.5k saves
Buxus
Buxus, the genus most gardeners know as boxwood. We track 28 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Buxus varieties
See all 28 Buxus varieties →Search this genus →
3 species of Buxus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Buxus in Sow
Save the Buxus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Buxus
Whats common across all Buxus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 28 most-grown of them.
The Buxus year
- PruneMay and June96% of varieties
Shear or prune after the spring growth flush to maintain desired shape.
- FertilizeMarch96% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
- Check for PestsApril–July82% of varieties
Inspect for boxwood leafminer, psyllids, and mites, especially on new growth.
- MulchMarch, April and October50% of varieties
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots.
Do
- Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry.
- Prune with sharp, clean tools to create clean cuts.
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Avoid
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in poorly drained, wet soil.
What goes wrong with Buxus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Boxwood Leafminer | Blisters or blotches on leaves, which turn yellow or brown. Small orange flies emerge in spring. | Prune and destroy infested foliage before adults emerge. Use sticky traps. Apply spinosad or a systemic insecticide in spring. |
| Boxwood Psyllid | Cupping of new leaves, which shelter the small, sap-sucking insects covered in a waxy secretion. | Damage is mostly cosmetic. Prune off affected tips. Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap in spring. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage; leaves appear stippled or bronzed. | Spray with a strong jet of water. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems and leaves, yellowing foliage | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Boxwood Blight | Rapid leaf drop, circular leaf spots with dark borders, and black streaks on stems. | Remove and destroy infected plants. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicides like chlorothalonil or mancozeb as a preventative. |
| Root Rot | Stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and decaying roots, often caused by poorly drained soil. | Improve soil drainage. Reduce watering. Drench with a fungicide labeled for Phytophthora. Prevention is key. |
| Boxwood blight | Dark-edged leaf spots, black streaking on stems and rapid defoliation from the bottom up, leaving bare twigs | There is no cure. Remove and bag affected plants including fallen leaves, disinfect tools, and do not replant boxwood in that ground |
Making more Buxus
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in late summer from current season's growth.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a mix of sand and peat.
- Keep moist and humid; roots form in 8-12 weeks.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings in late summer.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom two inches.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Stick in a mix of perlite and peat, and keep moist.
Buxus questions
How many types of Buxus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 28 distinct Buxus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.5k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Buxus grow in?
Across its varieties, Buxus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Buxus bloom?
Most Buxus varieties bloom in spring, early spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Buxus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.