Buxus microphylla 'Winter Beauty'
Overall Description
This
little evergreen boxwood is a hard one to come by, and yet one of the
hardiest we have found. Has very small, oval green leaves that turn a
beautiful bronze color in the winter. This winter bronzing is much more pronounced when this variety is planted in open, or highly exposed locations to cold, wintry winds & harsh conditions. Very nice & bright green
during the warmer seasons, and equally as bright & beautiful in the
winter. As usual with boxwoods, prefers cool, moist, well drained
soils. Can be planted full sun to part shade. Makes a very nice short hedge when maintained & trimmed at a shorter height - good foliage density.
Plant Facts & Specifications
Mature Height: 3-4 ft
Mature Width: 3-4 ft.
Growth rate: Slow ( 3"-4" avg per yr )
Hardiness Zones: 4-8 ( 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
very
typical of most B. microphylla varieties - small, oval shaped. Good
dark green mature foliage - newer foliage growth slightly brighter
green. Good density. Very heavy bronzer......especially when planted in open, exposed locations. If planted in sheltered locations, much less bronzing will be observed with this variety.
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.
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. 
