North Star Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'North Star')
North Star Boxwood is a cultivar of boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus sempervirens, that is prized for its compact and dense growth habit. Here are some key characteristics and care tips for North Star Boxwood:
Form: North Star Boxwood is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with a rounded to oval form. It typically maintains a compact and dense growth habit without the need for extensive pruning.
Size: This cultivar typically reaches a mature height of around 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) with a similar spread. Its small size makes it well-suited for use as a low hedge, border plant, or specimen in smaller gardens or landscape settings.
Foliage: The foliage of North Star Boxwood is evergreen, featuring small, glossy, dark green leaves that retain their color year-round. The leaves are oval-shaped and densely packed along the stems, giving the plant a lush appearance.
Sunlight: North Star Boxwood thrives in partial to full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may become more open and leggy in shadier conditions. In hot climates, afternoon shade can help protect the foliage from scorching.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for the health of North Star Boxwood. Amend heavy or compacted soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Boxwoods prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot and dry periods. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to frequent shallow watering. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is typically required to maintain the compact and dense form of North Star Boxwood. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches as needed. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs in early spring. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for application rates and timing.
Landscape Use: North Star Boxwood is versatile and can be used in a variety of landscape settings. It works well as a low hedge, border plant, or specimen in containers or entryways. It also makes an excellent accent plant in mixed borders or foundation plantings.
Overall, North Star Boxwood is prized for its compact size, dense foliage, and versatility in the landscape. With proper care and growing conditions, it can provide years of beauty and structure in the garden.
ATTENTION: Thank you for your interest in our plants! We want to let you know that each plant is unique and may vary slightly in appearance from the photos you see on our website. This is because plants are living organisms that are influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, and growing conditions. While we make every effort to provide accurate descriptions and photos of our plants, we cannot guarantee that your plant will look exactly the same as the one in the photo. However, we can assure you that we only sell healthy, high-quality plants that are carefully selected and packaged for safe delivery. If you have any questions or concerns about your plant, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your understanding!