How to Grow Buxus Green Beauty - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Buxus green beauty is an evergreen shrub that is popular for its glossy green leaves and its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. It is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for use in borders, hedges, and topiary.

How to Grow Buxus Green Beauty - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Japanese boxwood
  • Wintergreen boxwood
  • Green beauty boxwood
  • American boxwood
  • English boxwood

Basic info

  • Buxus Green Beauty is an evergreen shrub that is native to Europe and Asia.
  • It is also known as boxwood and has a long history of cultivation.
  • Buxus Green Beauty is an important plant in many gardens and landscapes.
  • It is easily grown in most soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • Buxus Green Beauty is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions.
  • Buxus Green Beauty is an attractive plant that provides year-round interest.
  • It is a good choice for foundation plantings, hedges, and topiaries.
  • Buxus Green Beauty is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests.
  • Proper care and maintenance will help ensure the health and longevity of this plant.

Related plant:
Buxus Japonica

Planting Process

  1. For buxus green beauty, first step is to choose the right spot. It should be in an area with full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
  2. Once you have chosen the spot, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s container.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and backfill it with soil.
  4. Tamp the soil down gently to remove any air pockets.
  5. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  7. Buxus green beauty will need to be pruned every few years to keep it looking its best.
  8. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length.
  9. If you want to shape the plant, you can trim it into a hedge or topiary.
  10. Buxus green beauty is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively pest and disease resistant.

Related plant:
Buxus Microphylla

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Buxus Green Beauty is perfect for nearly any soil type as long as it is well-draining. This variety is adaptable to both clay and sand soils, and it even tolerates saltiness relatively well. It is not overly particular about pH, so it can do well in both acidic and alkaline soils. The one thing it won't tolerate is wet feet, so make sure the planting site has good drainage.

Light requirement

Not too different with other buxus varieties, the Green Beauty does best in full sun, but it can also thrive in partial shade. It’s a versatile plant that’s relatively easy to care for, making it a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for buxus green beauty is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate short periods of time outside of this temperature range, but they will not thrive. If the temperature gets too high, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and will eventually fall off. If the temperature gets too low, the leaves will turn brown and will also fall off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40-50%. If the humidity drops below 30%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high (above 60%), the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant need little fertilizer. Once a month using a balanced fertilizer should be just fine. And as for the root, Buxus are very tolerant to different types of soil, as long as it is well-drained. They are not fond of wet feet, so make sure the area you plant them in has good drainage.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your buxus green beauty healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to control the shape and size of the plant, and can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning your buxus, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to prune your plant early in the growing season, before new growth begins.

About Propagating

Propagation of Buxus Green Beauty is best done through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches in length and should be taken from new growth that is just starting to harden off. Cuttings should be placed in a propagation tray or pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots have formed and new growth appears. Once roots have formed and new growth appears, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate plants will take about two years to reach their full size if they are grown in ideal conditions. However, this can vary depending on the variety of buxus green beauty and the specific growing conditions. If you want to encourage faster growth, make sure to provide plenty of water and fertilizer.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves. Root rot is a fungal disease that can kill the plant. Scale is an insect that feeds on the plant.

Tips on Growing

  • If you are growing buxus green beauty in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
  • Place your buxus green beauty in an area that gets full sun for at least six hours each day.
  • Water your buxus green beauty deeply and regularly, about once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Feed your buxus green beauty monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your buxus green beauty as needed to keep it looking its best.
  • If your buxus green beauty starts to look sickly or the leaves begin to yellow, check for pests and diseases.
  • Be sure to protect your buxus green beauty from extreme cold or heat to prevent damage.
  • When repotting or transplanting, be careful not to damage the roots of your buxus green beauty.
  • Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases, such as aphids,

Substitution

  • buxus harlandii,
  • buxus japonica,
  • buxus koreana,
  • buxus microphylla,
  • buxus microphylla var. japonica,
  • buxus microphylla var. koreana,
  • buxus sempervirens,
  • buxus sinica,
  • buxus suffructicosa,
  • buxus vahlii.

Source:
Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty' | Gardens
Buxus bodinieri | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Buxus - hvp.osu.edu

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category