Plant name: Littleleaf boxwood
Botanical name: Buxus sinica var. insularis (formerly B. microphylla var. koreana)
Virtues: Its slow growth and neat habit makes it a good low-maintenance hedge. Attractive year-round. One of the healthiest, hardiest boxwoods.
Flower: Greenish-yellow, appearing in spring. Insignificant in appearance but nicely scented.
Foliage: Small, narrowly oval, light to medium green leaves. Leaves turn bronze over the winter, except in ‘Wintergreen’ cultivar.
Habit: Rounded evergreen shrub reaching 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide.
Season: Year-round
Origin: Korea
Cultivation: Moist but well-drained soil. Full sun to part shade. Can be damaged by harsh winter winds; plant it in a sheltered spot if these are common to your area. Prune or shear to maintain shape. USDA Zones 4–9.
