True Dwarf English Boxwood | Compact Slow Growing Evergreen

True Dwarf Common Boxwood

1 Gallon

$22.00

1/5

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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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

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.