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Description
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the Buxaceae family. It is commonly known as Korean boxwood and is native to Japan, Korea, and China. The shrub grows up to 2-3 feet tall and has a spread of about 3-4 feet. The leaves are glossy, dark green and oval-shaped. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow in color and bloom in late spring. The shrub is commonly used for hedges, topiaries, and borders due to its compact size and dense growth.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
Appearance
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen has a dense and compact growth habit. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, measuring about 1-2 inches long and 0.5-1 inch wide. The shrub has a slow growth rate and can live up to 50 years or more. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The flowers bloom in late spring and are small, greenish-yellow in color. The shrub is commonly used for hedges, topiaries, and borders due to its compact size and dense growth.
Care Guide
Water
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The shrub can tolerate short periods of drought but prolonged drought can cause leaf drop and stress.
Fertilization
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen benefits from regular fertilization. Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer to encourage healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter as it can promote new growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
Soil
The shrub prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils.
Sunlight
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may become leggy and less compact.
Hardiness Zones
The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including boxwood blight, boxwood leafminer, and boxwood psyllid. Regular inspection and treatment can help prevent and control these pests and diseases.
Habitat
Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hillsides, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with adequate water and nutrients.
Q: How often should Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen be pruned?
A: The shrub can be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Q: How often should Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen be fertilized?
A: The shrub benefits from regular fertilization in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter as it can promote new growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
Q: How tolerant is Buxus Sinica Var. Insularis Wintergreen to salt spray?
A: The shrub is moderately tolerant to salt spray but may suffer damage in areas with high levels of salt exposure.
Related Plants
- Buxus Microphylla
- Buxus Sempervirens
- Buxus Harlandii
- Buxus Macowanii
References
- “Buxus Sinica var. insularis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b778
- “Boxwood (Buxus).” University of Maryland Extension. https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-buxus
- “Buxus Sinica.” Plant Finder. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/buxus-sinica
