Boxwood shrubs are a versatile and popular choice for gardeners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts seeking evergreen structure and year-round greenery. This list covers 25 distinct types of boxwood varieties, focusing on their identification features, USDA hardiness zones, and practical growing advice. Whether you’re designing formal hedges, topiaries, or natural borders, understanding the differences among these varieties will help you choose the perfect boxwood for your climate and garden style.
Classic Boxwood Varieties for Formal Gardens
- Buxus sempervirens ‘English’ – The traditional English boxwood is a slow-growing shrub ideal for formal hedges and topiary, hardy to USDA zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ – Known as the common dwarf boxwood, this compact variety is perfect for low borders and thrives in zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Arborescens’ – A taller, tree-like form of common boxwood, growing up to 15 feet, great for privacy screens in zones 5-8.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Faulkner’ – A dense, small-leaved variety that tolerates heat better than English boxwood, suitable for zones 6-9.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Green Velvet’ – Known for its rounded form and glossy leaves, this variety withstands heat and humidity, thriving in zones 6-9.
Compact and Slow-Growing Boxwoods
- Buxus microphylla ‘Winter Gem’ – An evergreen with dark green leaves that hold color well in winter, hardy in zones 6-9 and ideal for small hedges.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Green Mountain’ – A narrow, upright variety growing 3-4 feet tall, perfect for tight spaces and zones 6-9.
- Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Justin Brouwers’ – A compact form with fine-textured foliage, known for winter hardiness down to zone 5.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Rotundifolia’ – Features rounded leaves and a compact growth habit, commonly used in formal knot gardens, hardy in zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’ – A variegated boxwood with creamy white leaf margins, adding visual interest to shade or partial sun gardens, zones 5-8.
Variegated and Unique Foliage Boxwoods
- Buxus microphylla variegata ‘Silver Gem’ – Displays silvery-white leaf variegation, making it a standout in mixed borders, hardy in zones 6-9.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Golden Dream’ – Offers bright yellow-green foliage that intensifies in winter, excellent for color contrast in zones 6-9.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima Variegata’ – A variegated form with creamy-white edges on dark green leaves, suitable for shade to part sun, zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Marginata’ – Known for its yellow leaf margins, this variety brightens shady garden spots and thrives in zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’ – Classic variegated boxwood with cream and green leaves, used to add texture and light to formal hedges, hardy in zones 5-8.
Hardy and Cold-Tolerant Boxwoods
- Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’ – Exceptionally cold-hardy boxwood, thriving in zones 5-8 and retaining dark green foliage through harsh winters.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Green Isle’ – A compact, cold-tolerant variety that withstands zone 5 winters with minimal leaf burn.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Dee Runk’ – A hardy, dense shrub with dark green leaves, resistant to winter burn and suitable for zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Fastigiata’ – An upright, columnar boxwood that tolerates cold and performs well as a vertical accent in zones 5-8.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Morris Dwarf’ – A slow-growing, cold-hardy dwarf variety perfect for rock gardens or small spaces in zones 5-8.
Large and Landscape-Scale Boxwoods
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Arborescens’ – Often used as a large screening shrub or small tree, this variety can grow up to 15 feet tall in zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Rotundifolia’ – Its rounded leaves and large size make it ideal for expansive hedges and foundation plantings, hardy in zones 5-8.
- Buxus sempervirens ‘William Caldwell’ – A vigorous, fast-growing boxwood for large-scale landscaping, known for its dense foliage and hardiness in zones 5-8.
- Buxus microphylla ‘Green Mountain’ – Although compact, its upright form can be trained as a vertical hedge or screen in zones 6-9.
- Buxus sinica ‘Winter Joy’ – A robust, cold-tolerant variety with glossy leaves, suitable for large formal hedges and topiary in zones 5-8.
How to Use This List
When selecting boxwood shrubs, consider your USDA hardiness zone first to ensure winter survival. For formal hedges or topiary, slow-growing varieties like ‘English’ or ‘Suffruticosa’ work best. If you want color variation, explore variegated types such as ‘Elegantissima’ or ‘Silver Gem.’ In hotter climates, choose heat-tolerant microphylla varieties, while colder regions benefit from sinica and hardy sempervirens cultivars. Also, think about mature size and growth habit to fit your garden space and design goals. Proper planting in well-drained soil with some shade during hot afternoons will increase success with most boxwoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best boxwood for cold climates?
Varieties like Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Wintergreen’ and ‘Justin Brouwers’ are highly cold-hardy and suited for zones 5-8.
2. How often should boxwoods be pruned?
Prune lightly once or twice a year after new growth to maintain shape and encourage dense foliage.
3. Can boxwoods tolerate full sun?
Most boxwoods prefer partial shade but some, like Buxus microphylla ‘Green Velvet,’ tolerate full sun especially in cooler climates.
4. Are boxwoods susceptible to pests?
Yes, boxwoods can be affected by boxwood leafminer, mites, and fungal diseases, so regular inspection and good air circulation help prevent problems.
5. How do I prevent winter burn on boxwoods?
Providing windbreaks, mulching roots, and selecting cold-hardy varieties reduce winter damage.
6. What soil conditions do boxwoods prefer?
They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils with consistent moisture but not waterlogged.
Final Thoughts
Boxwoods remain a top choice for evergreen structure in gardens, offering a wide array of sizes, shapes, and foliage colors to suit diverse landscaping needs. By understanding the distinct characteristics and hardiness of each variety, gardeners can select the best boxwood to thrive in their local environment and achieve their desired aesthetic. With proper care including site selection, pruning, and pest management, these resilient shrubs will provide lasting beauty and formality for years to come.
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