Boxwood Plant Care

Boxwood (Schaefferia frutescens) belongs to the Celastraceae family within the Schaefferia genus. Boxwood is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from southern Florida in the United States, south through the Caribbean to Central America and northwestern South America, and also Veracruz in Mexico. Boxwood is also known as Wild-tamarind, Yellowwood, Ironwood.

Boxwood displays a small shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Boxwood produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted 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.

Boxwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Schaefferia frutescens tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Boxwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

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.

Boxwood can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 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 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.

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.

Boxwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Boxwood is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Boxwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Boxwood is native to tropical regions of the Americas, from southern Florida in the United States, south through the Caribbean to Central America and northwestern South America, and also Veracruz in Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Boxwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.