Plant Library

Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood

Buxus ‘American’ — commonly referred to as American Boxwood (often associated with Buxus sempervirens) — is a classic evergreen shrub valued for its dense, fine-textured foliage, natural pyramidal-to-rounded form, and long-standing use in formal and informal landscapes. It’s a traditional choice for hedges, foundations, and garden structure.
Key features
Width / spread: 4–6 ft (can be maintained narrower with shearing) Height: 6–10 ft (slow-growing; height depends on pruning and age) Foliage: Dark green, glossy, evergreen leaves Form: Dense, upright to rounded shrub Life cycle: Evergreen shrub
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade preferred in hotter climates) Soil: Well-drained; prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soils Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred, avoid waterlogged sites Hardiness:


Zone Low: 5b


Zone High: 8b


Landscape use
Formal and informal hedges Foundation plantings Topiary and sheared forms Garden structure and edging Mixed shrub borders
Notes


Traditional boxwood look with excellent tolerance for shearing


Slower growing than many modern hybrids


Mulch to protect shallow roots and moderate soil moisture


Site for good air circulation to reduce disease pressure


Deer resistant

Minimum zone

5

Maximum zone

9

Height

15'

Width

15'