What Do Boxwoods Look Like and Their Varieties Explained

Boxwoods are a versatile and popular evergreen shrub, known for their small, rounded leaves and compact growth habit. They can be pruned to maintain a variety of shapes and sizes.

Boxwoods can grow from 2 to 20 feet tall, depending on the variety. Some dwarf varieties, like 'Winter Gem', only reach 2-3 feet tall.

The leaves of boxwoods are small, oval-shaped, and typically 1-2 inches long. They are a deep green color on top and a lighter green on the bottom.

There are many different varieties of boxwoods, including 'English Boxwood', 'American Boxwood', and 'Japanese Boxwood'. Each variety has its own unique characteristics and growth habits.

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Variegated Boxwood is a striking type of Boxwood shrub with small dark green leaves bordered by an irregular creamy white variegation.

These shrubs can grow up to 5-8 feet tall and work brilliantly to add interest and color to any landscape throughout the year.

A multi-stemmed shrub with high ornamental value, Variegated Boxwood takes pruning exceptionally well and can be easily molded into various topiary shapes or a formal hedge.

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American Boxwood is a low-maintenance shrub that's resistant to pests and diseases, making it perfect for cooler regions. It's a dark green, glossy, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet in height, with some older plants reaching up to 20 feet.

Its ability to withstand cold weather makes it ideal for northern regions. You can find many varieties of American Boxwood, including Dee Runk Boxwood and Fastigiata Boxwood.

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Korean Boxwood is a great option for those with limited space, growing up to 2 feet high and 4-6 feet wide at maturity.

Its small, dark green leaves create dense foliage, making it ideal for low borders and lining driveways.

You can easily shear Korean Boxwood into different shapes, adding a decorative touch to your landscape.

Korean Boxwood can thrive in colder climates, making it a versatile choice for various landscape purposes.

This shrub grows in a rounded shape, providing a beautiful and compact addition to any garden or yard.

Japanese Boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen that can provide year-round interest and appeal to landscapes. It's extremely popular in the south due to its evergreen foliage and low maintenance.

These shrubs can grow up to 5-6 feet high and 4-6 feet wide, making them a great option for hedges. They have light green, oval leaves that add to their appeal.

In the spring, Japanese Boxwood develops small, delicate greenish-cream flowers in April and May. These flowers are a nice bonus to the shrub's already attractive foliage.

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Green Mountain Boxwood is one of the most popular ornamental plants for landscaping applications due to its bright green foliage, clean, classic look, and low maintenance.

It can accentuate any landscape, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels. Green Mountain Boxwood can grow up to 5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, making it ideal for short hedgerows as foundation plantings.

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This shrub is relatively faster-growing compared to other Boxwood varieties, adding great aesthetic value to any landscape design. Its upright, pyramidal form is a unique feature that sets it apart from other Boxwood cultivars.

Green Mountain Boxwood is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, from borders to hedges. Its ability to thrive in a range of conditions makes it a reliable choice for gardeners.

This shrub's compact size and neat growth habit make it a great choice for smaller gardens or spaces with limited room for growth.

Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs with glossy, light green leaves, as seen in the English Boxwood variety. They can grow to be quite large if not pruned.

The leaves of boxwoods are opposite, with a retuse apex, and are about 1" long. They also have white pubescence along the midrib below.

Boxwoods have stems that are square in cross section and turn from green to brown as they mature. New stems are green and have a square shape.

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Boxwoods can be grown in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a range of soil types. They prefer a pH between 5.5-7.2 and can grow up to 10-12 feet in height, as seen in the Dee Runk Boxwood variety.

Here are some key characteristics of boxwoods:

Boxwood leaves are small, rounded, and have a pointed tip, typically 1-2 inches in length.

You can find images of boxwood leaves online to get a better idea of their shape and size.

Boxwoods can be pruned to maintain a variety of shapes, from topiaries to hedges.

Boxwood branches are typically brown or gray in color, often with a smooth texture.

Check out pictures of boxwood topiaries to see how they can be shaped into intricate designs.

Boxwoods can be used as a border plant, and their compact growth habit makes them a great choice for small spaces.

You can find images of boxwood borders online to see how they can be used to add structure to a garden or landscape.

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