Boxwood are the quintessential southern garden hedge plant. They are popular for use in knot gardens, parterres, edging, and as topiaries. While the historic English boxwood (Buxus suffruiticosa) are especially susceptible to a devastating and widespread blight caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola, there are new varieties that have been bred to offer various levels of resistance. Several varieties of boxwood grow in the Mount Vernon gardens including: Buxus sempervirens (American), Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty', and 'Morris Dwarf.'
Latin Name
Buxus spp.
Family
Buxaceae
Type of Plant
Shrubs
Seasons
Fall
Spring
Summer
Winter
Specifications
Max Height: 5'
Max Spread: 5'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Tolerances
Toxicity
Do not ingest
Colors
Native Range
Europe, Asia
History
After visiting Mount Vernon in 1796, architect Benjamin Latrobe observed, "On one side of the lawn is a plain Kitchen garden, on the other side a neat flower garden laid out in squares, and boxed with great precission [sic]."
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Sold at Mount Vernon
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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