Wintergreen Boxwood

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-5 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

The Wintergreen Boxwood, Buxus sinica var. Insularis ‘Wintergreen’, is a cold tolerant, slow growing broadleaf evergreen can be planted individually or in containers as an accent. These are perfect for growing evergreen hedges and garden borders. Gardeners can also prune these shrubs into unique shapes by heavy pruning initially, then light maintenance after that. Create globes, boxes, ovals and even topiary and bonsai. New growth emerges bright green in the spring and hardens off to a darker green.

These bushes are also great in planters in formal entryways, patios, decks and other locations that get enough sunlight. Because these do not lose leaves in the winter, the planters will provide year round color and design to your home. Though low growing, this very dense shrub lends itself to topiary, and is also excellent as a bonsai plant. Its dark green foliage makes the Wintergreen boxwood a very attractive border and landscaping shrub. This shrub is also known as a Korean boxwood.

Great For A Small Formal Garden - Although the Wintergreen boxwood can be grown as an individual specimen plant, it is often at its best in a formal garden, especially when planted in groupings. It is one of those plants that, while not requiring much in the way of maintenance, is nevertheless enjoyable to work with. It is almost a perfect fit in a small, but meticulously landscaped yard or garden. An added advantage of this plant is that it is not high on the list of favorite foods for either deer or rabbits. In fact, if you have either visit your property, they will most likely totally ignore the boxwood.

Wintergreen Boxwood Care

Pruning Wintergreen boxwood should be done after the new growth appears in the spring to keep desirable shape and size. These shrubs are fantastic for shaping, but if you would like to have a specific shape, do so in the first few years of growth. Then after that, only prune lightly to maintain the desired shape. Trim dead or sick branches as needed throughout the year. Though not often needed, thinning is sometimes done to improve air circulation or lessen the chances of plant disease. Thinning may be required if leaf spot is becoming a problem, but usually only an annual shearing is needed. The shrub, which typically grows only about 2 or 3 inches a year, will assume a shape somewhat like a mushroom if allowed to grow naturally.

Water regularly until established, after that water once a week during periods of no rain. The leaves will turn yellow typically as an indicator that the shrub needs water. Fertilize in early spring before new growth appears. Use a common fertilizer that can be used with woody plants. Root rot may be a problem if the boxwood is placed in overly compacted soil or a soil with poor drainage. With this shrub, taking a little extra care when first placing it in the ground should ensure a healthy, low maintenance plant will be yours to enjoy for many years to come. It is usually suggested that the shrub be planted in a location where it will be somewhat protected from winter winds. Harsh winter winds often cause boxwood foliage to turn an unattractive brownish yellow or bronze. This can at times be the case with the Wintergreen boxwood as well, though it is much less likely to occur than is the case with other boxwood varieties.

Insects And Diseases - As is the case with most boxwood plants, the Wintergreen variety seldom has a problem with pests or diseases. In some instances, leaf spot and blight have been observed, but this seems to happen rather infrequently. Insects which seem to favor boxwoods, leaf borers, mites, and psyllids, do not appear to bother the Wintergreen variety.

Wintergreen Boxwood Spacing

Plant 3.5 to 4 feet apart, center to center when growing a hedge. We recommend planting in odd numbers for the best look. When planting in the shrub border or as a foundation planting, plant 6 to 8 feet apart, center to center.

Wintergreen Boxwood Plant Facts