Boxwood (Buxus bartlettii)
Care, watering, light and tips for Boxwood on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Buxaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Boxwood
Buxus bartlettii, commonly known as Bartlett's boxwood, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub prized for its dense, glossy dark green foliage. Its small, oval leaves make it perfect for formal hedges, topiary, or as a standalone specimen in both classic and contemporary garden designs. It provides year-round structure and elegance.
Native range
East Asia
Care tips
It prefers partial shade to full shade, especially in warmer climates to protect its foliage. The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, particularly during summer and dry periods. A common mistake is excessive and late pruning, which can weaken the plant and expose it to fungal diseases; it's best to prune lightly after the last spring frost.
How to save a dying Boxwood
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, leaf drop, dry or wilted branches.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Prune dry branches and aerate the base. Protect from intense direct sun.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, compacted soil with no drainage. Also, exposure to severe frost without protection.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. A well-cared boxwood is hardy, but overwatering is its biggest enemy.