Boxwood

Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Full sun to part shade, moist to well-drained, tolerates clay soils, pH 5.0–7.5. 3–6 feet tall and wide, blooms late spring with small greenish-white flowers, spreads slowly by self-seeding and root suckering.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from Europe and Asia.

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a widely used evergreen shrub in Middle Tennessee landscapes, valued for formal hedges and foundation plantings. Plants are susceptible to leafminer damage and boxwood blight, particularly in humid summers; ensure good air circulation to reduce fungal pressure. Deer typically avoid this shrub due to its bitter taste. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain shape and remove dead wood.