Disease and Insect Resistant Ornamental Plants: Buxus (Boxwood)

Abstract

Buxus is a genus of leafy evergreen shrubs and small trees commonly known as boxwood. Two of the most common types are B. sempervirens (American) and B. sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (English). However, according to The American Boxwood Society, there are about 148 commercially available species and cultivars that vary greatly in size, shape, growth rate, leaf characteristics and hardiness. Known for their dense growth habit and resistance to deer-browsing, boxwoods are often grown as hedges. Boxwood blight is the most serious disease of Buxus in the landscape. Insect pests include boxwood leafminer, boxwood mite and boxwood psyllid.