Buxus microphylla 'Green Velvet' Littleleaf Boxwood

Buxus microphylla 'Green Velvet,' commonly known as Littleleaf Boxwood 'Green Velvet,' is a popular evergreen shrub that is cherished for its lush, vibrant green foliage and its rounded, compact form. This versatile plant is a favorite in both formal and informal garden settings, offering year-round color and structure to any landscape.

Description

The 'Green Velvet' Boxwood is a hybrid cultivar that typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet with a similar spread, forming a dense, mounded shape. Its compact size makes it ideal for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings. The plant’s name, 'Green Velvet,' reflects the soft, velvety texture of its small, oval leaves, which are a rich, vibrant green throughout the growing season and hold their color well into the winter months.

The foliage of 'Green Velvet' is dense and full, providing excellent coverage and making it a popular choice for creating a polished, manicured look in the garden. The plant’s growth habit is slow to moderate, which means it requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size.

Growth and Care

'Green Velvet' Boxwood is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates, including colder regions where some other boxwoods may struggle. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it performs best in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in warmer climates. The plant prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods.

One of the notable features of 'Green Velvet' is its excellent resistance to winter burn, a common issue for boxwoods in colder climates. This cultivar was specifically bred for hardiness, making it an excellent choice for northern gardeners.

While 'Green Velvet' naturally maintains a neat, rounded shape, light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant as desired. Mulching around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the roots.

Benefits

Planting a 'Green Velvet' Boxwood offers several advantages:

1. Compact, Rounded Form: Its naturally dense and rounded growth habit makes it ideal for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.
2. Year-Round Color: The evergreen foliage stays vibrant and green throughout the year, providing consistent color and structure to the landscape, even in winter.
3. Winter Hardiness: 'Green Velvet' is highly resistant to winter burn, making it a reliable choice for colder climates.
4. Low Maintenance: With minimal pruning needs and good disease resistance, 'Green Velvet' is easy to care for, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
5. Versatility: This boxwood can be used in a variety of landscape designs, from formal gardens to more naturalistic settings, and it is also suitable for container planting.

Why Plant a 'Green Velvet' Boxwood?

Planting a 'Green Velvet' Boxwood is an excellent way to introduce year-round color, structure, and elegance to your garden. Its compact size and naturally rounded shape make it perfect for creating defined borders, low hedges, or accent plantings in any garden setting. Whether used in a formal garden design or a more relaxed landscape, 'Green Velvet' provides a lush, green backdrop that enhances the beauty of other plants and flowers.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, 'Green Velvet' is a practical choice for gardeners in a variety of climates. Its resistance to winter burn and its adaptability to different light and soil conditions make it a reliable and resilient plant that will thrive with minimal care. For gardeners who want the classic beauty of boxwoods without the high maintenance, 'Green Velvet' is an ideal choice.

Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge, add structure to your landscape, or simply enjoy a low-maintenance evergreen that stays attractive year-round, the 'Green Velvet' Boxwood offers a versatile and enduring solution that will bring lasting beauty and refinement to your outdoor space.

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