Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'
Common name: 
Edging Boxwood
Pronunciation: 
BUK-sus sem-per-VI-renz
Family: 
Buxaceae
Genus: 
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf evergreen shrub, 4-5 ft(1.2-1.5 m), dense, compact, slow growing, with clipping can be kept to 6 inches (15 cm).  Leaves opposite, simple, small, obovate-rounded, 1-2 cm long, emarginate, "quite fragrant" (some say reminiscent of feline urine!).
  • Sun to part shade. Very slow growing, about 2.5 cm per year. Most popular and widely grown boxwood; often used for edging.  "Can be severely disciplined to a mere 6in but if left to itself will reach 4ft" (Lucas Phillips and Barber, 1981, p. 90).  This cultivar, as well as other boxwoods, may show winter bronzing, a condition enhanced by placement of plants close to south and west walls.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone (5)6      Cultivated for centuries
  • suffruticosa: slightly shruby
Click image to enlarge
  • Oregon State Capitol grounds

    Oregon State Capitol grounds

  • plant habit, older plants

    plant habit, older plants

  • plant habit, sheared

    plant habit, sheared

  • plant habit, unpruned

    plant habit, unpruned

  • shoots

    shoots

  • leaves

    leaves

  • leaves

    leaves