True Dwarf Common Boxwood

True Dwarf Common Boxwood

1 Gallon
$22.00
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True Dwarf Common Boxwood
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True Dwarf Common Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'

The classic, slow-growing dwarf boxwood for formal low hedges, with tiny glossy leaves and a dense habit.

$22.00
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Description

The True Dwarf English Boxwood is the classic, timeless choice for creating formal low hedges, knot gardens, and elegant garden edging. This slow-growing, evergreen shrub is prized for its exceptionally dense, rounded form and its small, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves with distinctive yellow-green undersides . A true dwarf selection, it maintains a naturally compact, tidy habit that requires minimal pruning, making it a low-maintenance staple for traditional and contemporary landscapes alike. Its shallow roots, deer resistance, and adaptability to various well-drained soils make it a reliable and versatile foundation for any garden design.

Quick Facts

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  • Light: Full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates)

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  • Foliage: Small, oval to elliptic, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves (to 0.5-1 inch long); leaves have distinctive yellow-green undersides; arranged oppositely on dense stems; evergreen.
  • Mature Height: 1-2 ft (can reach 3-4 ft over many decades)
  • Mature Spread: 1-2 ft (can spread 2-3 ft over many decades)
  • Growth Rate: Extremely slow (1-2 inches per year)
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 5-8 ; Sunset 3B-6, 15-17
  • Core Benefits: Classic formal low hedge form, extremely slow growing and compact, deer resistant, shallow root system, low maintenance, very cold hardy.
  • Best Uses: Low formal hedges, knot gardens, border edging, parterres, foundation plantings, entranceways, pathway edging, container specimens, bonsai.

Faqs

Q: How large does True Dwarf English Boxwood get?
A: It is an extremely slow grower. After 10 years, it may only reach 1-2 feet in height and spread . Over many decades, if left unpruned, it can eventually reach 3-4 feet tall, but it is usually maintained at a much smaller size with regular, light shearing.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It has an extremely slow growth rate, typically adding only 1-2 inches of new growth per year . This is one of its key ornamental features, as it requires very little pruning to maintain its shape.

Q: How should I plant and care for it?
A: Plant in well-drained soil in a location with full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, protection from harsh afternoon sun is beneficial. Water regularly during its first year to establish the shallow root system. After establishment, it is moderately drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of foliar diseases. Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep roots cool and moist.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, boxwoods are generally resistant to deer browsing . The dense, somewhat bitter foliage is not a preferred food source, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.

Q: Is it a good choice for a low hedge?
A: Yes, it is the classic choice for a formal low hedge. Its small leaves, dense growth, and slow growth rate allow it to be sheared into a crisp, clean, uniform shape that defines borders and parterres beautifully . Plant 6-12 inches apart for a solid, continuous hedge.

Q: Is it susceptible to boxwood blight?
A: Yes, 'Suffruticosa' is known to be highly susceptible to boxwood blight , a serious fungal disease . In regions where boxwood blight is prevalent, gardeners may want to consider more resistant varieties, such as 'NewGen' or 'Green Velvet' boxwoods, which offer a similar look with much better disease resistance.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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