Buxus sempervirens 'Elegantissima'
Overall Description
A
very striking boxwood that is most commonly used as an accent plant.
Has rather small leaves that are splashed with cream coloring. Slow to
moderate growth - likes full sun to partial shade. Does best in
slightly moist, cool soils that drain well - does not like clay soils,
as the drainage is inadequate. May be kept at just about any size or
shape through trimming / pruning. Makes an excellent accent when
planted amongst larger plantings of solid green color. Has a slightly
more upright, columnar type growth habit than many boxwoods if left
untrimmed.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 4-6 ft
Mature Width: 3-4 ft.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate ( 3"-6" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 5-8 ( if unsure of your zone, please use zone finder below )
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Average. Slightly cool & moist - fertile. Mulching recommended.
Foliage Color & Texture: Foliage slightly smaller than many typical boxwood varieties - slightly oval shaped. Coloration is a medium bright green with creamy white edging / variegation. Our plants here at our nursery have shown absolutely no color difference at all throughout the winters - keeps a good clear color display with good contrast.
Flower, Cone, Or Berry Facts: Very small, creamy yellow flowers develop in small clusters in April - May, and are actually quite fragrant for the brief time that they are present. Small 1/3 " long seed pods generally follow, and are three horned with each individual "valve", or section containing two seeds.
Diseases / Insects: Among the more prevalent problems one might be confronted with when growing Boxwood would be: Canker, root rot, boxwood leaf miner, boxwood webworm, nematodes, and boxwood mites. Most all of these pests / problems are much more commonly seen on Buxus sempervirens cultivars - other variations / hybrids seem to show much more resistance to these problems. Root rot ( Phytopthora ) can be a problem in inadequately drained soils, and is usually indicated by a lighter "off color" to the foliage. Annual treatment / inspection is strongly recommended during the early growing season in order to monitor any possible problems, and as a preventative action.
Fertilization / Feeding: Either
water soluble ( Miracle Gro, or equivalent ), or granular ( Holly Tone
is excellent ). Other granular types with 6-12-12, or 10-10-10 ratio is
acceptable. Best to fertilize in early spring ( 2-4 individual applications ), and again in mid fall ( 2 or 3 individual applications ) -
avoid feeding during hot summer months, and directly after
transplanting.
