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Description
Buxus Sempervirens Graham Blandy, commonly known as Graham Blandy Boxwood, is a popular evergreen shrub that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. This slow-growing shrub has a narrow, columnar shape and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The bright green leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with a leathery texture and smooth edges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
Appearance
The Graham Blandy Boxwood has a narrow, columnar shape that makes it a popular choice for hedges, borders, and topiaries. The bright green leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with a leathery texture and smooth edges. The shrub produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by small, green fruit that turns brown in the fall. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown.
Care Guide
The Graham Blandy Boxwood is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water regularly during the first year of growth. After that, the shrub is drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leaf burn.
- Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay.
- Sunlight: The Graham Blandy Boxwood prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate shade, but it will grow more slowly and may become leggy.
- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Graham Blandy Boxwood is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to a few diseases:
- Boxwood Blight: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, defoliation, and dieback. It can be difficult to control and may require the removal of infected plants.
- Volutella Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and stems, as well as dieback. It can be controlled with fungicides and good cultural practices.
- Boxwood Leafminer: This insect pest causes yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as stunted growth. It can be controlled with insecticides and good cultural practices.
Habitat
The Graham Blandy Boxwood is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it prefers full sun to partial shade. The shrub is commonly used in hedges, borders, and topiaries in gardens and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Graham Blandy Boxwood be pruned into different shapes?
A: Yes, the shrub is commonly used for topiary and can be pruned into a variety of shapes, including spheres, cones, and spirals.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Graham Blandy Boxwood?
A: Fertilize in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to leaf burn.
Q: Is the Graham Blandy Boxwood deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the shrub is deer-resistant.
Q: Can the Graham Blandy Boxwood be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers, but it will require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’
- Buxus microphylla ‘Wintergreen’
- Buxus harlandii
- Buxus sinica var. insularis
References
- “Buxus sempervirens Graham Blandy.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=274649.
- “Graham Blandy Boxwood.” Monrovia. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/129/graham-blandy-boxwood/.
- “Buxus Sempervirens.” Plant Finder. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/buxus-sempervirens.
