Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Check soil moisture by feeling the top few centimeters; if dry, it's time to water.
Also known as American Boxwood · Boxwood · Creole Box
Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) is an evergreen shrub prized for its dense foliage and versatility in formal gardens, hedges, and topiary. It tolerates pruning wel
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though growth may be less dense.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range from -23°C to 32°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
Check soil moisture by feeling the top few centimeters; if dry, it's time to water.
Prune in late spring or early summer after the initial flush of growth to maintain shape and size. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. For hedges, shear lightly to encourage dense growth.
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist and provide a humid environment until roots form.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years, or when root-bound. Mature plants benefit from repotting every 3-5 years. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla)
Where Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Buxus |
| Species | Buxus microphylla |
Similar in genus Buxus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data