Buxus sempervirens 'Vardar Valley'

Vardar Valley Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens ‘Vardar Valley’ — commonly known as Vardar Valley Boxwood — is a low, compact evergreen shrub prized for its excellent winter color, dense branching, and dependable performance in colder climates. It’s widely used as a foundation and edging boxwood where a tidy, mounded form is preferred over height.

Key features
Width / spread: 3–4 ft
Height: 2–3 ft
Foliage: Dark green, evergreen; very good winter color
Form: Low, dense, rounded to slightly spreading
Life cycle: Evergreen shrub

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



Zone Low: 5a



Zone High: 8b



Landscape use
Low hedges and edging
Foundation plantings
Formal garden borders
Mass plantings
Containers

Notes


One of the best low boxwoods for winter color



Naturally compact; requires minimal pruning



Excellent alternative to ‘Suffruticosa’ in colder climates



Deer resistant



Mulch to protect shallow roots and maintain even soil moisture

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

2'-3'

Width

3'-4'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring, Spring

Flower color

White

Fall color

Blue Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Clay, Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Low Mounding, Oval/Rounded, Spreading

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No