Boxwood (Buxus microphylla 'Curly Locks')

Overview

Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ is a highly desirable broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its unique texture and dense, mounding habit. This cultivar of Boxwood stands out due to its narrow, yellow-green, distinctly curled leaves set upon twisted branches, offering year-round architectural interest. As a slow-growing specimen, the Boxwood provides reliable structure, maturing typically between three to four feet tall and wide, making it ideal for formal or informal landscape settings.

This dense evergreen ensures valuable screening and definition in the garden, even through harsh winters, although sun protection during that time is beneficial. Gardeners appreciate the reliability of the Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ for consistent, low-profile hedging and foundational plantings. Its evergreen nature ensures that the garden maintains visual weight and color throughout the year, contrasting beautifully with seasonal blooms.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Buxaceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-4 ft
  • Spread: 3-4 ft
• Bloom Time: April to May
• Bloom Description: Pale yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The ideal time to plant Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ is when conditions are mildest, allowing roots to establish before extreme summer heat or winter cold. This Boxwood thrives best in evenly moist, well-drained loams, which can be a mixture of sand and clay. While it handles full sun, providing some part shade, especially afternoon shade, protects the foliage from scorching. The roots of Boxwood are shallow, making cultivation close to the base risky; instead, apply a 1–2 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment, as this shrub requires medium water needs. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged, as this significantly increases the risk of root rot. Pruning and shearing for shaping should only be performed after the danger of the last spring frost has passed; pruning too early encourages tender new growth that is highly susceptible to frost damage.

Annual maintenance should focus on thinning the plant canopy to improve air circulation, removing any dead or damaged branches. Site your Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ carefully, protecting it from strong winter winds and intense, continuous winter sun, which can rapidly desiccate the leaves and cause undesirable winter bronzing.

Landscape Uses

The slow-growing nature and dense form of this Boxwood make it exceptionally versatile in landscape design. It excels when used as a formal or informal hedge, providing a structured green boundary that defines garden rooms or property lines. Because Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ mounds nicely to a consistent 3 to 4 feet, it is perfect for low edging along walkways where a taller hedge might obstruct views.

Beyond hedging, this Boxwood functions wonderfully as specimen planting to anchor corners of foundations or when used in mass plantings for textural contrast. Its tolerance for shearing also opens avenues for classic topiary work, allowing gardeners to shape the curly leaves into geometric forms. Consider pairing this evergreen texture with deciduous plants that offer bright fall color to maximize visual impact throughout the seasonal changes.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Fragrant
• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Buxus microphylla, commonly called littleleaf boxwood, is a slow-growing, densely-branched, broadleaf evergreen shrub. ‘Curly Locks’ is further distinguished by its narrow, yellow-green foliage that displays a noticeable curl, creating a fine texture atop twisted branches. Its small, pale yellow flowers bloom in spring, offering a subtle fragrance without drawing significant visual attention.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Boxwood foliage is famously prone to bronzing, turning an unattractive brownish-yellow shade during harsh winters, especially when exposed to full sun and drying winter winds. To mitigate this, ensure the planting location is somewhat sheltered from the most severe winter weather. Root rot is a major threat if soils are heavy or drain poorly; always amend soil to ensure excellent drainage before planting.

Pest management includes vigilance against the boxwood leafminer, mites, and the damaging box tree moth. While certain pests like the boxwood psyllid are less of a concern for this variety, regular inspection helps catch infestations early. Avoid chemical treatments preemptively; focus instead on good cultural practices, such as proper watering and improving air circulation through light annual pruning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Boxwood suitable for?

This Boxwood thrives in the consistent temperatures found in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9.

How large does Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ grow?

This fine-textured evergreen shrub typically reaches a mature height and spread between 3 and 4 feet tall and wide.

What sun exposure does Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ need?

For best performance and minimal foliage scorch, plant this Boxwood where it receives full sun to part shade conditions.

When does Boxwood bloom?

The fragrant, insignificant flowers of the Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ appear in the spring, generally between April and May, exhibiting a pale yellow hue.

Conclusion

The Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ Boxwood offers exceptional year-round character through its unique, curled foliage and reliable, dense structure, making it a staple for defined landscape borders and hedges. Successful cultivation relies on providing well-drained soil and protecting this slow-growing shrub from harsh winter winds. Before planting, confirm your garden falls within USDA Zones 6-9 to ensure your new Boxwood establishes successfully.

Propagation Tips

Propagation of Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’ is primarily achieved through cuttings, a relatively straightforward method for evergreen shrubs. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer are often the most successful, though semi-hardwood cuttings taken later in the season can also root well. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining, sterile medium under humid conditions to encourage root development.

When preparing cuttings, ensure each segment contains two or three nodes, removing the bottom set of leaves to prepare the base for rooting hormone application. Once rooted, these young plants will retain the desirable dense, mounding form characteristic of the parent Buxus microphylla ‘Curly Locks’, providing future hedging material without purchasing new nursery stock.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for your Boxwood, focus on plants that share similar needs for medium moisture and well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Plants that offer contrasting foliage textures are highly effective alongside the fine texture of the ‘Curly Locks’ cultivar. Consider pairing it with Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) for soft, flowing mounds that contrast the stiffness of the Boxwood.

For seasonal color, deciduous plants that highlight the evergreen nature of the Boxwood are ideal. Planting low-growing perennials like Astilbe or Hosta beneath slightly larger specimens can provide lush groundcover that appreciates similar light conditions, particularly if the Boxwood is situated in a dappled shade area. Avoid aggressive spreaders, as shallow-rooted Boxwood can struggle against strong competition for surface nutrients and water.