Plant field guide
Boxwood (American)
The classic American Boxwood is the largest and most traditional variety of Buxus sempervirens, capable of reaching 10-15 feet tall and wide if left unpruned. It has been a staple of American estate gardens since colonial times, prized for its dense, billowing form and rich dark green foliage. Often used for large formal hedges, privacy screens, and specimen plantings.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Buxus sempervirens 'Arborescens'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 60 in (152 cm) – 180 in (457 cm)
- Spread
- 60 in (152 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 5–8; average annual extreme minimum from -20°F (-28.9°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: June, July.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Slower growing than many modern cultivars but extremely long-lived (100+ years). Susceptible to boxwood blight and leafminer - choose resistant alternatives in areas with high disease pressure. Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Shallow root system - avoid cultivating around base. Protect from harsh winter winds.
Pruning
Best pruned in early to mid-summer after the spring growth flush has hardened off. Shear for formal shapes or hand-prune for a more natural look. Thin interior branches every few years to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Avoid late-season pruning as new growth won't harden before frost.
Fertilizer
Balanced evergreen fertilizer (10-10-10) or Holly-tone
Early spring before new growth begins
Mulch
2-3 inches of organic mulch. Keep mulch a few inches from the trunk. Shallow roots benefit greatly from consistent mulch cover.