10 named cultivars

shrub

Littleleaf Boxwood

Buxus microphylla

The Story

Plant Bio

Buxus microphylla, the littleleaf boxwood, is a slow-growing, densely branched evergreen shrub native to East Asia that forms a compact, rounded mound of tiny, leathery leaves. The small, petalless, greenish-yellow flowers cluster in leaf axils during spring, providing minor forage for early pollinators while remaining largely inconspicuous.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally small, blunt-tipped leaves that emerge as a bright, light yellow-green before maturing to a deep, leathery green. Its naturally compact, slow-growing habit makes it highly responsive to formal shearing and structural shaping.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure, clean green foliage, and a highly neat, manicured appearance suitable for formal gardens.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to toxic alkaloids, and tolerates heavy shearing.

Offers dense, evergreen nesting cover and shelter for small songbirds and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained, loamy or sandy soil in full sun to partial shade, preferably with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the top of the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and protect the shallow, sensitive roots from temperature extremes.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Thin the interior canopy annually to improve air penetration and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Pro Tip

Thin the interior branches annually to improve air circulation and light penetration, and never shear back into old, leafless wood which lacks dormant buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Mulch the root zone to protect the shallow root system from heat and mechanical damage.
Thin out interior branches annually to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy.
Water consistently during dry spells to maintain moderate soil moisture.

Don't

Never cultivate or till the soil deeply around the base of the plant, as this damages the shallow roots.
Never prune into old, leafless wood, as it lacks the dormant buds required to regenerate.
Do not prune late in the season or before the last spring frost, which exposes tender new growth to cold damage.

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 hedgesTopiaryFoundation plantingsBorder edgingsContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Hydrangea arborescens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Littleleaf Boxwood questions

What zones can Littleleaf Boxwood grow in?

Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf Boxwood deer resistant?

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

When does Littleleaf Boxwood bloom?

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

Does Littleleaf Boxwood need full sun?

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

Is Littleleaf Boxwood drought tolerant?

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