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Description
Buxus Microphylla Faulkner, also known as Littleleaf Boxwood, is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its green foliage and versatility in garden design. It is native to Japan and Korea and belongs to the Buxaceae family. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an ideal choice for hedges, borders, and topiaries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
Appearance
Buxus Microphylla Faulkner has small, glossy, dark green leaves that are ovoid or elliptical in shape. The leaves are less than an inch long and half an inch wide, giving the plant a fine texture. The bark of the plant is brownish-gray and smooth. It has small, cream-colored flowers that bloom in early spring, but they are not very showy. The plant produces a small, brownish fruit that contains one or two seeds.
Care Guide
Buxus Microphylla Faulkner requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Fertilize the plant in spring and fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to root burn. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buxus Microphylla Faulkner is susceptible to boxwood blight, which is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, defoliation, and dieback. Other common pests and diseases include boxwood leafminer, boxwood psyllid, and Volutella blight. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy by providing proper care and sanitation.
Habitat
Buxus Microphylla Faulkner is native to Japan and Korea and is commonly found in gardens, parks, and landscapes. It grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Buxus Microphylla Faulkner be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are well-draining and large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Is Buxus Microphylla Faulkner deer resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is deer resistant due to its dense foliage and bitter taste.
Q: Can Buxus Microphylla Faulkner be used as a hedge?
A: Yes, this plant is commonly used as a hedge due to its dense foliage and ability to be pruned into a specific shape and size.
Q: How often should Buxus Microphylla Faulkner be watered?
A: This plant requires moderate watering, meaning it should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Related Plants
- Buxus Microphylla Japonica
- Buxus Sempervirens
- Buxus Harlandii
- Buxus Sinica
References
- “Buxus Microphylla Faulkner.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d290
- “Buxus Microphylla Faulkner.” Plant Care Today. https://plantcaretoday.com/buxus-microphylla-faulkner.html
- “Buxus Microphylla Faulkner.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/buxus-microphylla-faulkner-3269303
