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Common Name: boxwood
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Buxaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Garden Location: George Washington Carver Garden, Spoehrer Children's Garden
Height: 2 to 4 feet
Spread: 2 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Description: Pale green
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Evergreen
Tolerates: Deer, Rabbits
Uses: Hedge
Culture
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers sun-dappled part shade and moist, sandy loams with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Tolerant of pruning and shearing. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots. Roots appreciate a good mulch (1-2”). Thin plants and remove dead/damaged branches annually to improve air circulation. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, this boxwood is best sited in a sheltered location which protects it in winter from strong winds and full sun. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage.
Noteworthy Characteristics
‘Green Velvet’ is a broad-mounded, compact form (B. sempervirens x B. microphylla var. koreana) of boxwood that will mature to 2-4’ tall and as wide. Opposite, glossy, dark green leaves are evergreen. Pale green flowers are inconspicuous. Sempervirens in Latin means “always green”.
Plant of Merit
This compact evergreen boxwood thrives in moist, sandy, well-drained loams in sun-dappled shade. It matures to 2-4 feet tall and features glossy dark green leaves. Pale green flowers are inconspicuous. Foliage has good resistance to bronzing in winter. This is an excellent shrub for use in foundation plantings or formal gardens, as a low hedge or for foliage accent.
Problems
Boxwoods can be somewhat temperamental plants to grow in the St. Louis area where the evergreen foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. ‘Green Velvet’ has good resistance to bronzing, No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be a problem in poorly drained soils. The three main insect pests of boxwoods are boxwood leaf miner, boxwood mite and psyllids.
Garden Uses
Group or specimen/accent. Foundation planting. Formal garden. Low hedge.