Boxwood -
Buxus sp.
Bonsai Clubs International
Article -
Compiled by Sabrina Caine and Thomas L. Zane
General Information: Boxes are densely branched shrubs
native to Europe and Asia. A hedge steeped in history, box
sprigs have been found in the tombs of Romans. It is widely
used as a hedge plant, and is a common topiary subject. Most
varieties of box are marked by a distinctive "foxy" smell
which some find distasteful. The box is an important plant
commercially, as it is one of the few woods heavier than
water, and is thus used for making woodcuts and precision
instruments.
Most boxes are grown as hardy bonsai, but the Harland box
has been successfully grown as an indoor plant. Box is very
popular for bonsai due to its tiny leaves and flowers and
its tolerance for extensive pruning and shaping. One note of
caution: box leaves are poisonous, and eating even a few can
kill a small pet.
Lighting: Box is not particular. Sun or shade both work
well. Buxus harlandii prefers shade or semi-shade, and has
an indoor light requirement of only 800 Lux.
Temperature: Hardiness depends on variety, but boxwoods need
protection from frost and cold winds even when grown in the
proper climate. In the summer, box appreciates fresh air.
Watering: Moderate, but does not like wet soil. Allow the
box to dry somewhat between waterings.
Feeding: Every two weeks during growth. Harland Box, every
20-30 days. Use a liquid bonsai fertilizer with one
application of pulverized organic fertilizer during active
growth. Fertilize with general purpose fertilizer.
Pruning and wiring: Growth on the dwarf varieties can be
very slow. Box can be wired at any time. It is tolerant of
radical treatments, such as jin, shari and being grown root
over rock. Fine bonsai material may frequently be pillaged
from old hedges. Leaves may turn reddish brown in winter.
Control shape by thinning and by pinching off most of
unwanted new growth.
Propagation: By division in spring, or from hardwood
cuttings taken in late summer or autumn. Air-layering is
also possible.
Repotting: Every two years. Spring is the best time, but as
box is a broadleaf evergreen, there is more leeway with
appropriate times to repot than with deciduous trees. It can
be repotted in summer and autumn if need be, but avoid
repotting during very hot weather or during a growth spurt.
Use basic bonsai soil. Box dislikes acid soil, and the use
of limestone in the soil mix or adding an occasional dose of
lime to the soil is recommended. Soil must be well drained.
Pests and diseases: Nematodes, mites and leaf miners,
blackfly, greenfly, and red spider mites. Although box is
very disease resistant, honey fungus and rust are sometimes
encountered.
Species useful for bonsai:
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Buxus harlandii: Harland box—A native of Taiwan, the
Harland box can grow to 33 feet. Its leaves are thinner
than other box species. This box doesn't like cold
weather, and should not be exposed to temperatures below
37°F, but it has been grown successfully as an indoor
plant. If the temperature goes above 65°F, the Harland
box enjoys a daily misting and the amount of food should
be reduced. During the winter, keep the tree at a
temperature below 65°F; between 46°F and 50°F is best.
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Buxus microphylla: Japanese box—Grows to 5 feet, and has
evergreen leaves under 1 inch long. It tolerates both
sun and shade. All B. microphylla varieties are
scentless. It grows best in zones 5–8.
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Buxus microphylla 'Compacta': dwarf boxwood, Kingsville
box—Quarterly spray with Black Leaf 40 mixed with soap.
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Buxus microphylla 'Koreana': Korean boxwood—The most
hardy box, it grows in zones 4–8, but expect the foliage
to brown in the winter. It is a low, spreading variety,
growing to only 3 feet.
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Buxus microphylla 'Morris Midget': Morris Midget
boxwood.
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Buxus sempervirens: common box, English box—This box can
grow to 25 feet in a mild climate, and therefore appears
as both hedges and small trees. Its evergreen leaves
grow to 1 1/2 inches. This box is hardy in zones 6-8
with some winter protection at the upper end of the
range, although there is a cultivar, 'Vardar Valley'
that is hardy to zone 5. This is a long-lived plant, and
historic boxes from Colonial days are still alive in
Virginia.
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Buxux sinica— A native of China, similar to other small
boxes.
Bibliography:
Tomlinson's "Complete Book of Bonsai"
Samsons' "Creative Art of Bonsai"
Resnick's "Bonsai"
Ainsworth's "Art of Indoor Bonsai"
Lesniewicz's "Bonsai in Your Home"
Species information in general is from Mitchell's "American
Nature Guides: Trees," "The Hearst Garden Guide to Trees and
Shrubs," and Coats' "Garden Shrubs and Their Histories."
Florida Bonsai XX:4:33
Florida Landscape Plants by Watkins, pg. 233
http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/boxwood.html
Last Updated July 7, 2007.
Copyright © 2007 by Kusamura Bonsai Club. All Rights Reserved.
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