Key Boxwood Plant Care

Key Boxwood (Jacquinia keyensis) belongs to the Primulaceae family within the Jacquinia genus. Key Boxwood is native to the West Indies. Key Boxwood is also known as Stavewood, False Mastic.

Key Boxwood displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Key Boxwood produces small white clustered flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Key Boxwood every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Key Boxwood thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Jacquinia keyensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Key Boxwood prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Key Boxwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Key Boxwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Key Boxwood is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Key Boxwood can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Key Boxwood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Key Boxwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Key Boxwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to sea grape plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Key Boxwood is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Key Boxwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Key Boxwood is native to the West Indies. In cooler regions, grow Key Boxwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.