How to Grow Japanese Buxus - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Japanese buxus is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, native to eastern Asia, Korea and Japan. It is a small evergreen shrub growing to 23 m (710 ft) tall and wide with small, glossy green leaves. The flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, borne in axillary clusters in spring. The fruit is a small brown capsule containing numerous small seeds.

How to Grow Japanese Buxus - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

Japanese box
Boxwood
Buxus microphylla
Buxus sempervirens
Buxus japonica

Things to Know

Japanese buxus is an evergreen shrub that is native to Japan.
It is also known as boxwood in English.
The plant can grow to a height of up to 2 meters.
The leaves of the plant are oval in shape and are dark green in color.
The flowers of the plant are small and white in color.
The fruit of the plant is a small blackberry.
The plant can be propagated by seed or by cuttings.
The plant prefers a well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
It is an ideal plant for hedges or topiary.
It is also used as a bonsai plant.

Related plant:
Japanese Azalea Orange

Planting Process

For japanese buxus, first step is to find a well-lit spot in your garden that has good drainage.
The next step is to prepare your planting hole.
Once you have your planting hole ready, it is time to plant your japanese buxus.
After planting, water your japanese buxus well.
In the following weeks, keep an eye on your japanese buxus and water it whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
After a few months, you can start fertilizing your japanese buxus.
In the fall, you can prune your japanese buxus to shape it.
In the winter, japanese buxus are dormant and you do not need to do anything special for them.
In the spring, japanese buxus will start to grow new leaves and branches.
Enjoy your beautiful japanese buxus!

Related plant:
Japanese Euonymus

Soil Condition

About soil condition, Japanese buxus had better to sandy,loamy, well-drained soil. It has a medium water requirement and prefers full sun to partial shade, but will tolerate deep shade. It will not tolerate wet, boggy conditions.

Light requirement

Just like other Buxus species, the Japanese Buxus is a shrub that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate full sun, but it may become stressed in hot, dry conditions. It is best to plant it in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are ideal for a Japanese buxus are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in slightly cooler or warmer conditions, but they will not thrive. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant will start to suffer.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

The Fertilizer

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant is rather easygoing and will do just find with a simple application of an all-purpose fertilizer once or twice a year. For those who want to give their plant a little extra TLC, a heavier feeding schedule of once a month is recommended. When it comes to watering, the Japanese buxus is on the drought-tolerant side, so err on the side of less rather than more. Over-watering is the number one cause of death for these plants. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. As for pH, they prefer slightly acidic soils in the 6.0 range.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for a Japanese buxus. While the plant does not require frequent pruning, it is important to do so when necessary in order to maintain its health and appearance. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. trim back any overgrown branches. Doing so will encourage new growth and help keep the plant looking its best.

About Propagating

Propagation of the Japanese buxus is best done by taking stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from young, healthy growth and should be about 10-15 cm long. Cut just below a leaf node, and then remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and then plant in a pot of moistened, well-drained potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. Roots should form within a few weeks, and new growth should appear within a few months. Once the plant is well-rooted and growing, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate pretty quickly, given the right conditions. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil that's moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize japanese buxus every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. These shrubs are relatively pest and disease free, but can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Prune japanese buxus as needed to shape and control growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, root rot, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot. Scale is an insect that causes the leaves to turn yellow or brown and the plant to become stunted.

Growing Tips

Make sure to plant your buxus in well-drained soil.
Japanese buxus are known to be slow growers, so be patient.
These plants prefer full sun to partial shade.
Fertilize your buxus regularly to promote growth.
Be sure to prune your plant to encourage new growth.
Japanese buxus are susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to monitor your plant closely.
These plants are salt tolerant, so they can be planted near the ocean.
Japanese buxus can be used as hedges or topiary.
These plants are deer resistant.
Japanese buxus are considered to be evergreen, meaning they will retain their foliage year-round.