Maintenance Landscaping Design

Buxus microphylla is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub, growing to 1–3 m (3–10 ft) tall and wide. The leaves are oval, 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) long and 1.5–3 cm (0.6–1.2 in) broad, with a blunt apex and a finely serrated margin. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long, produced in clusters of 2–6 together in the leaf axils in spring. The fruit is a round, dry capsule 6–12 mm (0.24–0.47 in) diameter, containing numerous small seeds.

Also known as

• Korean boxwood
  
• Littleleaf boxwood
  
• Japanese boxwood
  
• Chinese boxwood
  
• American boxwood

Basic info

• Buxus microphylla is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree.
  
• It has small, glossy, dark green leaves.
  
• Buxus microphylla blooms in late spring or early summer with small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers.
  
• The fruit is a small, hard, dry capsule.
  
• Buxus microphylla is native to Japan, Korea, and China.
  
• It has been introduced to Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.
  
• Buxus microphylla is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
  
• It is also used in bonsai.
  
• Buxus microphylla can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as boxwood blight.
  
• Buxus microphylla is sometimes confused with the closely related Buxus sempervirens (common boxwood).

Related plant:
Buxus Japonica

Planting Process

1. For buxus microphylla, first step is to choose a location. They do best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds and loosening the soil.
   
3. Buxus microphylla can be planted either in the spring or fall.
   
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 backfill with soil.
   
6. Water well to settle the roots.
   
7. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
   
8. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.
   
9. Buxus microphylla is relatively drought tolerant once established.
   
10. They are also relatively pest and disease free.

Related plant:
Buxus Green Velvet

The Soil

About soil condition, Buxus microphylla prefers rich, well-drained soil but is also tolerant of average, dry soils. It does not like wet, soggy soils. It is also tolerant of salt, making it a good choice for seaside plantings. Buxus microphylla can be susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, but overall it is a tough, hardy plant.

Light condition

So, like the other plants, the sun is vital to the growth of the Buxus microphylla. It needs at least six hours of sunlight every day to maintain its healthy growth. The plant grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for buxus microphylla is one that is cool and moist. This plant does not like it when the temperature gets too hot or too cold. When the temperature is too hot, the leaves of the plant will start to turn yellow and fall off. When the temperature is too cold, the leaves will turn brown and fall off.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50% and 70%. The plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this plant requires little. Once a month, during the growing season, use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. To promote growth, you can use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content. The roots of this plant are quite shallow, so be careful not to overwater. The soil should be moist, but not soggy.

Light requirement

Pruning is a necessary part of keeping a buxus microphylla healthy and looking its best. This evergreen shrub can be pruned into a variety of shapes and sizes, making it a versatile plant for any garden. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any wayward branches that are growing in an undesirable direction.

About Propagating

Propagation is typically done through rooting stem cuttings, which can be taken from new growth or old wood. The stem cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be 4-6 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the bottom 2/3 of the plant. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet. After several weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can then be transplanted into individual pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate between 2 to 8 centimeters a year, reaching a height of between 2 and 3 meters. However, slower-growing varieties may only grow 1 centimeter a year. The growth of this plant is relatively slow when compared to other shrubs and trees.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot, dieback, and leaf spots. Root rot is caused by too much moisture in the soil, which leads to the roots rotting. Dieback is caused by a lack of moisture in the soil, which dries out the roots and kills the plant. Leaf spots are caused by fungi or bacteria that attack the leaves, causing them to turn brown or black.

List to Know

• Make sure to plant your buxus microphylla in an area with full sun to partial shade.
  
• Buxus microphylla prefer well-drained soil, so be sure to amend your planting area accordingly.
  
• Water your buxus microphylla regularly, especially during hot summer months.
  
• Fertilize your buxus microphylla every few months using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your buxus microphylla as needed to control its size and shape.
  
• Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases, such as boxwood leaf miner and powdery mildew.
  
• If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide protection for your buxus microphylla during the winter months.
  
• When planting new buxus microphylla, make sure to space them at least 2 feet apart.
  
• Buxus microphylla are slow

You May Like

• Buxus šlecht. microphylla Salzmann. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus microphylla Salzmann is an unresolved name
  
• Buxus gayana Sauv. ex Spreng. is an unresolved name
  
• Buxus glabrata Desf. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus globulosa A.Juss. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus habitansex Vahl is an accepted name
  
• Buxus harlandii Först. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus japonica Thunb. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus kampenii Müll.Arg. is an accepted name
  
• Buxus laurifolia Klotzsch is an accepted name

Source:
Buxus microphylla var. japonica - Stanford University
Korean Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana)-Hort Answers ...
Buxus microphylla habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …