- Zones 6 - 10
- Height 5 - 6 Feet
- Spread 4 - 6 Feet
- Plant in Well Drained Soil
The Japanese Boxwood, Buxus microphylla var. Japonica, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that provides interest in the landscape all four seasons. These shrubs will have delicate small flowers in April and May, that are greenish-cream in color and do have a nice fragrance for a short time. These are very popular shrubs in the south due to the low maintenance necessary and the evergreen foliage.
Plant singly as a specimen or as a superior privacy hedge. Lots of gardeners also grow these in a garden planter for 4 seasons of interest. Of course this plant is native to Japan, but also native to Taiwan. It also also sometimes known as a littleleaf box. If grown in full sun, the leaves will sometimes turn red instead of green. These shrubs are also very deer resistant.
Japanese Boxwood Care
Prune Japanese Boxwood can be done anytime of the year. However, it is best not to do it in late fall. You can use hand shears or electric trimmers. Do not trim more than 25% deep into the shrub for the best appearance. Water very deep into the ground, twice a week regularly the first year. Once a week watering the 2nd year. And after that it should require little watering except during long periods of drought. Winter hardy in growing zones 6 to 10. These shrubs will grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide when fully mature.
Fertilize in early spring, but not the first year after planting. Keep in mind that many boxwoods are killed by excessive fertilizer applications. We recommend a slow release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10. But fertilizing isn't required for these hardy shrubs. These bushes can handle full sun but do beset in partial sunlight conditions. Well drained soil is also a must. We also recommend applying a layer of mulch to help keep in moisture and protect the roots during extreme weather conditions in summer and winter.
Japanese Boxwood Spacing
Plant 3 to 4 feet from center to center when establishing a privacy hedge or garden border. When planting in the shrub border or as a foundation planting, plant 7 to 8 feet apart, center to center.
Japanese Boxwood Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 - 10 |
Flower Color(s): Delicate White Flowers |
Bloom Period: Spring |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun |
Height: 5-6 Feet |
Spread: 4-6 Feet |
Spacing: 4 Feet Center on Center |
Habit: Rounded |
Blooms On: Old Wood |
Watering: Average |
Shrub Type: Evergreen |
Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla var. Japonica |
Common Name: Japanese Boxwood |
- SKU:
- JAPBOX
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.