Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Apple Green')

Overview

Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’, commonly known as Boxwood, is an exceptionally useful broadleaf evergreen shrub, highly valued for its dense growth habit ideal for formal landscaping. This specific cultivar, ‘Apple Green’, is a charming dwarf introduction, exhibiting broad-elliptic, dark green leaves that maintain excellent color throughout the year. Its slow growth rate and compact structure make the Boxwood a staple for detailed edging, foundation plantings, and delicate topiary work in suitable climates.

This slow-growing Boxwood cultivar typically matures slowly, particularly when young, reaching only about 8 inches tall in its first decade, although mature garden specimens may eventually reach 1 to 2 feet high and wide. While relatively hardy, gardeners should note that the small, leathery foliage of Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ can sometimes temporarily bronze in extremely harsh, exposed winters, though recovery in spring is usually reliable. Overall, the reliable evergreen structure provided by this Boxwood, coupled with its manageable size, ensures its widespread commercial appeal.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Buxaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Greenish-cream
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For best establishment, plant Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ in the early spring or fall when weather transitions are milder. It thrives best in well-drained, fertile soils, as sitting in water is fatal to this Boxwood species. While it tolerates full sun, providing afternoon shade, especially in hotter zones (8-9), helps prevent leaf scorch and winter bronzing.

Average watering is required; ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never soggy, reflecting its “Medium” water needs. Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula suitable for evergreen shrubs if growth seems lackluster. Pruning for shaping or light shearing can be done lightly in late spring after the first growth flush has hardened off, avoiding late-season pruning which encourages tender new growth before winter.

Be mindful of its location regarding winter exposure. If possible, situate your Boxwood where it is protected from strong, drying winter winds, which exacerbate foliage bronzing. Check the soil regularly during dry spells, particularly for container specimens or those planted near foundations where competition for moisture is high.

Landscape Uses

The dwarf habit of Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ makes it an unparalleled choice for detailed landscape work where space is limited. It excels as precise edging material, offering year-round structure that traditional perennials cannot match. Due to its uniform shape, it is highly favored for incorporating into formal parterres or low foundation plantings where larger Boxwood varieties would quickly overwhelm the architecture.

This slow-growing Boxwood acts beautifully as a low, formal hedge, providing a perfect, green backdrop for colorful, seasonal annuals or perennials that require seasonal change. It is also an excellent specimen plant for high-visibility spots or within small rock gardens, providing year-round texture that contrasts well with deciduous and fine-textured plantings.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Buxus microphylla, commonly called littleleaf boxwood, is a slow-growing, densely-branched, broadleaf evergreen shrub. The specific cultivar ‘Apple Green’ is famed for being a dwarf variety that typically grows in an open mound to only 8 inches tall over the first 10 years, featuring broad-elliptic, dark green leaves growing to 3/8 inch long. It was introduced commercially in the early 1990s, bringing a smaller footprint to the traditional Boxwood landscape toolkit.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Boxwood foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. To mitigate this bronzing, choose a location sheltered from the harshest winter elements or consider applying an anti-desiccant spray in late fall for added protection.

Poorly drained soils are a significant threat, leading directly to root rot, which is often fatal. Ensure soil structure is loose and amend heavy clay with compost or grit to improve drainage before planting this important evergreen. Furthermore, watch for pests like boxwood mites or the box tree moth; treating infestations early, combined with good air circulation, is key to keeping your Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ healthy long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Boxwood suitable for?

This specific Boxwood, Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’, is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ grow?

This dwarf cultivar matures slowly, usually reaching heights and spreads between 1 and 2 feet tall and wide in the landscape, though initial growth is very slow.

What sun exposure does Boxwood need?

Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ performs well in conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, though afternoon shade is beneficial in warmer climates.

When does Boxwood bloom?

The flowering period for this Boxwood occurs from April to May, producing inconspicuous, greenish-cream flowers.

Conclusion

Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ offers unmatched evergreen structure in a compact, manageable size, solidifying its role as a premier dwarf hedging and edging plant. For successful gardening, ensure you provide well-drained soil and consider winter wind protection for your Boxwood. Before installation, always confirm that your garden location falls within USDA Zones 6 to 9.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate companions enhances the year-round appeal of your Boxwood planting scheme. Consider pairing Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ with plants that offer seasonal color contrast without aggressive root competition. Low-mounding perennials like Heuchera (Coral Bells), appreciated for foliage color, or spring-flowering bulbs like Daffodils (Narcissus) that emerge before the Boxwood fully greens up, work wonderfully alongside this evergreen base.

For a slightly taller backdrop, consider using evergreen conifers with contrasting texture, such as certain dwarf spruces or junipers, provided they do not cast heavy, permanent shade over the Boxwood. Since Boxwood is slow-growing, select companions that share similar medium-water needs and maintenance profiles to simplify overall garden care.

Design Ideas for Dwarf Evergreens

The precision of the Boxwood shape lends itself beautifully to classic, structured design styles like French or English gardens. Use Buxus microphylla ‘Apple Green’ not just for straight lines, but also to create gentle curves that delineate planting areas or frame pathways. Its small scale is perfect for contemporary minimalist landscapes that rely on texture and form over mass color.

Utilize this plant in containers for permanent, architectural displays on patios or near entryways. Grouping several pots of ‘Apple Green’ Boxwood at varying heights, perhaps mixed with architectural grasses or colorful annuals in the summer, creates immediate focal points that endure year-round due to its evergreen nature.