shrub

Japanese Boxwood

Buxus microphylla var. japonica

The Story

Plant Bio

Buxus microphylla var. japonica, the Japanese boxwood, is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub that naturally forms a rounded, multi-stemmed habit up to eight feet tall. Its small, glossy, dark green leaves remain attractive year-round, though they may take on a temporary bronze tint during cold winters.

This variety is highly valued for its superior tolerance to summer heat and humidity compared to European boxwood species. It produces tiny, inconspicuous, greenish-yellow spring flowers that emit a distinct, honey-like fragrance and attract bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides structure, clean lines, and year-round green foliage perfect for formal hedges, borders, and topiary.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, and tolerates urban pollution and moderate coastal salt spray.

Tiny spring flowers provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other beneficial insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96"

Width

180"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic to Humans and Pets

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in well-drained, loamy or sandy soil in a location receiving full sun to dappled afternoon shade.
Apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it clear of the main stems.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, healthy root system, ensuring the soil never becomes waterlogged.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once annually in early spring to support steady, strong growth.

Pro Tip

Avoid digging or cultivating the soil directly beneath the canopy, as the shallow root system is easily damaged; instead, apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch to regulate moisture and protect the roots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune during the active growing season to maintain a formal shape.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Mulch the shallow root zone to conserve moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.

Don't

Do not shear back into old, bare wood lacking green buds, as epicormic sprouting is poor.
Do not cultivate or dig deeply around the base of the plant.
Do not over-fertilize with high-nitrogen products, which forces weak, pest-susceptible growth.
Do not let the plant sit in standing water or heavy, waterlogged soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal HedgingFoundation PlantingTopiaryBorder EdgingMass Planting

Companion Plants

Pachysandra terminalis Hosta Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Boxwood questions

What zones can Japanese Boxwood grow in?

Japanese Boxwood is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Japanese Boxwood deer resistant?

Yes — Japanese Boxwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Japanese Boxwood bloom?

Japanese Boxwood typically blooms in spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Japanese Boxwood need full sun?

Japanese Boxwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Japanese Boxwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Japanese Boxwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.