How to Grow Buxus Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Buxus bush is a plant that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The leaves of the buxus bush are small and oval shaped. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow in color. The buxus bush is used as an ornamental plant in many gardens.

How to Grow Buxus Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Boxwood
  • Greenbrier
  • Buckthorn
  • Dogwood
  • Alder

Common Knowledge

  • Buxus bushes are slow-growing shrubs that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
  • They have small, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color.
  • Buxus bushes are often used as hedges or foundation plants due to their dense growth habit.
  • These shrubs are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions.
  • Buxus bushes are susceptible to a few diseases, such as boxwood blight and powdery mildew.
  • They can also be infested with aphids, scale insects, and other pests.
  • Proper care of buxus bushes includes regular watering, fertilization, and pruning.
  • Buxus bushes are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • The wood of these shrubs has been used for centuries to make furniture and other wooden items.
  • Buxus bushes are sometimes considered to be a symbol of good luck.

Related plant:
Buxus Japonica

Growing Steps

  1. For buxus bush, first step is to get the soil tested and make sure it is rich in organic matter.
  2. Add some compost or manure to the soil to improve its quality.
  3. Choose a sunny spot for planting buxus bush.
  4. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
  5. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down gently.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Fertilize the plant every few weeks during the growing season.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to maintain its shape.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful buxus bush!

Related plant:
Buxus Green Beauty

Soil Condition

About soil condition, buxus bush love well-drained, fertile soils but they are not fussy. They will also grow in heavy clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. They are quite tolerant of pH and will grow in moderately acid to alkaline soils.

About light

Not too different with other plants, buxus bushes need sunlight to grow. However, too much sunlight can damage the leaves, so it's important to find a balance. Buxus bushes prefer partial sun, or about four to six hours of sunlight each day.

Good Temperature

The temperature that a buxus bush can tolerate depends on the species. Some species can tolerate very cold temperatures, while others can only tolerate milder conditions. In general, buxus bushes prefer cooler temperatures and will do best in an environment that does not experience extreme fluctuations in temperature. They should be protected from excessively hot or cold conditions.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or more. The buxus bush is a popular ornamental plant that originated in Asia. It is characterized by its small, glossy green leaves and compact growth habit. The buxus bush is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions, but it prefers humid conditions. If the air around the plant is too dry, the leaves will begin to turn brown and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a balanced fertilizer that is applied bi-weekly during the growing season. As for the roots of the buxus bush, it is important to keep them moist but not soggy. Be sure to check the soil regularly and water as needed.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is essential to the health of buxus bushes. Over time, buxus bushes can become overgrown and leggy. Pruning helps to maintain the bush's compact shape and encourages new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back the remaining branches to encourage new growth.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is usually by cuttings taken from young plants in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm (4-6in) long and have a sharp knife. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and insert into a pot of peat-based compost. The cuttings will root within a few weeks and can be transplanted into their permanent positions in late summer or early autumn.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's variety and age. However, there are a few things that can be done to encourage faster growth in a buxus bush. One is to fertilize regularly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Another is to water deeply and regularly during the growing season. With proper care, a buxus bush can reach its full potential for growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, sooty mold, and root rot. If you see any of these problems, you should treat them immediately. Scale can be treated with horticultural oil, sooty mold can be treated with a fungicide, and root rot can be treated with a fungicide orantifungal.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your buxus plant regularly.
  • Place your buxus plant in an area with bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Fertilize your buxus bush every month during the growing season.
  • Prune your buxus bush as needed to keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if needed.
  • Check the soil moisture level regularly, and water as needed.
  • mulch your buxus plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots.
  • Feed your buxus bush with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  • Remove any dead or dying branches from your buxus bush.
  • Enjoy your beautiful buxus plant!

You May Like

  • Buxus dolichophylla
  • Buxus forrestii
  • Buxus hanaikadaiana
  • Buxus harlandii
  • Buxus japonica
  • Buxus microphylla
  • Buxus microphylla var. japonica
  • Buxus sempervirens
  • Buxus sinica
  • Buxus stellata

Source:
Buxus bodinieri | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Buxus microphylla 'Compacta' - Oregon State University
Neighbors - Bush School

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category