Oregon boxwood Plant Care

Oregon boxwood (Paxistima myrsinites) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Paxistima genus. Oregon boxwood is native to western North America from British Columbia south to northern Mexico and east to the Rocky Mountains. Oregon boxwood is also known as Myrtle boxwood, California boxwood, Mountain lover.

Oregon boxwood displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Oregon boxwood produces inconspicuous small greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Oregon boxwood every 7–14 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.

Oregon boxwood thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing Oregon boxwood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Paxistima myrsinites tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Oregon boxwood prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Oregon boxwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Oregon boxwood every 8 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 to full shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Oregon boxwood is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Oregon boxwood can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Oregon 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.

Oregon boxwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Oregon boxwood can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canby's paxistima plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Oregon boxwood is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Oregon boxwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Oregon boxwood is native to western North America from British Columbia south to northern Mexico and east to the Rocky Mountains. In cooler regions, grow Oregon boxwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.