Buxus sempervirens 'Aurea Pendula'
Common Name: boxwood
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Buxaceae
Zone: 6 to 9
Height: 4 to 6 feet
Spread: 4 to 6 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: Creamy white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Flowers not Showy
Leaves: Colorful, Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
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

'Aurea Pendula' is an upright, weeping form of English boxwood which features yellow and green variegated foliage. It will typically grow 4-6' tall with drooping side branches. Elliptic to oval, evergreen leaves are variegated with yellow streaking. Spring flowers are inconspicuous. In Latin, sempervirens means "always green", aurea means "gold" and pendula means "hanging".

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. Otherwise requires little special care other than annual pruning. 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

Excellent hedge. Also useful in shrub borders or foundation plantings where variegated foliage has good accent value.