Contents
Description
Buxus Microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Boxwood, is a popular ornamental shrub in the Buxaceae family. It is native to Japan, Taiwan, and Korea and is widely grown in gardens and parks around the world. The shrub has small, glossy leaves and dense growth, making it an excellent choice for hedges, topiary, and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
Appearance
The Buxus Microphylla shrub has small, ovate, glossy leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. The shrub grows up to 1-2 meters in height and has a dense, compact growth habit. The bark is brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and scaly with age. The shrub produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring.
Care Guide
The Buxus Microphylla shrub requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The shrub should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Buxus Microphylla shrub is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including boxwood leafminer, boxwood psyllid, boxwood mite, and boxwood blight. Symptoms of these pests and diseases include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and twig dieback. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the shrub well-watered and fertilized, and to prune out any dead or diseased branches.
Habitat
The Buxus Microphylla shrub is native to Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. It is widely grown as an ornamental shrub in gardens and parks around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Buxus Microphylla shrub?
A: The shrub should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize my Buxus Microphylla shrub?
A: The shrub should be fertilized in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How can I prevent boxwood blight on my Buxus Microphylla shrub?
A: To prevent boxwood blight, it is important to keep the shrub well-watered and fertilized, and to prune out any dead or diseased branches.
Q: Can I grow Buxus Microphylla in a container?
A: Yes, Buxus Microphylla can be grown in a container as long as it is well-drained and the soil is kept moist.
Related Plants
- Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood)
- Buxus sinica (Chinese Boxwood)
- Buxus harlandii (Harland Boxwood)
References
- “Buxus Microphylla.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c726.
- “Buxus Microphylla.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/846/buxus-microphylla/details.
- “Japanese Boxwood (Buxus Microphylla).” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/japanese-boxwood-buxus-microphylla-3269329.
