Buxus sempervirens

Common Boxwood

Buxus ‘American’ — commonly referred to as American Boxwood (often associated with Buxus sempervirens) — is a classic evergreen shrub valued for its dense, fine-textured foliage, natural pyramidal-to-rounded form, and long-standing use in formal and informal landscapes. It’s a traditional choice for hedges, foundations, and garden structure.

Key features
Width / spread: 4–6 ft (can be maintained narrower with shearing)
Height: 6–10 ft (slow-growing; height depends on pruning and age)
Foliage: Dark green, glossy, evergreen leaves
Form: Dense, upright to rounded shrub
Life cycle: Evergreen shrub

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade preferred in hotter climates)
Soil: Well-drained; prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soils
Water: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred, avoid waterlogged sites
Hardiness:



Zone Low: 5b



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Formal and informal hedges
Foundation plantings
Topiary and sheared forms
Garden structure and edging
Mixed shrub borders

Notes


Traditional boxwood look with excellent tolerance for shearing



Slower growing than many modern hybrids



Mulch to protect shallow roots and moderate soil moisture



Site for good air circulation to reduce disease pressure



Deer resistant

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

15'

Width

15'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Loamy

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Broad Upright, Rounded

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No