Buxus sempervirens ElegantissimaBoxwood
科:黄杨科
Family:Buxaceae
属:黄杨属
common name:Boxwood
introduce:Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Buxaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 3 to 4 feet
Bloom Time: April - May
Bloom Color: Pale greenish
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium moisture
Maintenance: Medium
General Culture:
Best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers sun-dappled part shade and moist, sandy loams with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Tolerant of pruning and shearing. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots. Roots appreciate a good mulch (1-2?. Thin plants and remove dead/damaged branches annually to improve air circulation. In USDA Zones 5 and 6, this boxwood is best sited in a sheltered location which protects it in winter from strong winds and full sun. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
慐legantissima?is a dense, mounded, compact form of boxwood that features bright variegated foliage. Elliptic to oval, evergreen leaves are medium green with broad but irregular white margins. Plants will typically mature to 5?tall by 4?wide over the first 15 years unless pruned shorter. Pale green flowers are inconspicuous. Sempervirens in Latin means 揳lways green?
Boxwoods can be somewhat temperamental plants to grow in the St. Louis area where the evergreen foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. Otherwise, they require little special care other than annual pruning. No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be a problem in poorly drained soils. The three main insect pests of boxwoods are boxwood leaf miner, boxwood mite and psyllids.
Uses:
Group or specimen/accent. Foundation planting. Formal garden. Low hedge or edger. Bonsai.
