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Description
Buxus Sempervirens Elegantissima, commonly known as the Variegated Boxwood or Variegated English Boxwood, is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub with a dense, compact habit. It is a popular choice for hedges, topiary, and container gardens due to its attractive variegated foliage and ability to tolerate pruning. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely cultivated throughout the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Buxales |
| Family: | Buxaceae |
| Genus: | Buxus |
Appearance
Buxus Sempervirens Elegantissima has glossy, dark green leaves with creamy white margins that can turn pink in cold weather. The leaves are oval-shaped and measure about 1-2 inches long. The plant grows slowly and can reach a height of 3-4 feet with a spread of up to 3 feet. It produces small, yellow-green flowers in the spring, but they are not particularly showy. The plant’s dense, compact habit makes it an excellent choice for creating a formal garden or low hedge.
Care Guide
Water: The Variegated Boxwood prefers well-draining soil and regular watering. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, about once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and poor plant health.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight: The Variegated Boxwood prefers partial to full shade and can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is not recommended to grow this plant in full sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Variegated Boxwood is relatively disease and pest resistant, but it can be susceptible to Boxwood Blight, which is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and defoliation of the plant. Other potential pests include scale, mites, and aphids. Regular inspection and treatment can help prevent these issues from becoming severe.
Habitat
Buxus Sempervirens Elegantissima is native to Europe and Asia but has been widely cultivated throughout the world. It prefers cool, temperate climates and can tolerate a range of soil types and environmental conditions. It is commonly used in formal gardens, topiary, and container gardens and is often grown as a hedge or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Variegated Boxwood be grown in full sun?
A: While the plant can tolerate some direct sunlight, it is not recommended to grow it in full sun, as this can lead to leaf scorching.
Q: How often should the Variegated Boxwood be fertilized?
A: The plant should be fertilized in the spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and poor plant health.
Q: What is Boxwood Blight?
A: Boxwood Blight is a fungal disease that causes yellowing and defoliation of the plant. It can be prevented by regularly inspecting and treating the plant and avoiding planting in areas where the disease has been present.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Variegated Boxwood?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Buxus Microphylla
- Buxus Sempervirens
- Buxus Sinica
- Buxus Harlandii
References
- “Buxus Sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e954.
- “Boxwood Blight.” University of Maryland Extension, extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-blight.
- “Variegated Boxwood.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/variegated-boxwood-profile-5076312.
