Description

Buxus ‘Green Mountain’ is a durable hybrid boxwood prized for its naturally upright, conical habit and tight, small-leaved foliage. Trained as a standard topiary, it forms a neat, sculpted canopy atop a straight stem—perfect for adding instant architecture and year-round greenery to entrances, terraces, and formal beds.

This cultivar holds a rich green color through winter better than many boxwoods, has a slow to moderate growth rate ideal for shaping, and tolerates a wide range of soils provided they are well-drained. Discrete spring flowers offer early forage for bees. With light, periodic shearing, your standard keeps a crisp silhouette season after season.

Suggested Uses

Plant Details

Botanical Name

Buxus Green Mountain- Topiary Standard Topiary

Common Name

Buxus Green Mountain- Topiary

Size & Growth

As a standard, canopy typically maintained 12–24 in (30–60 cm) across; overall height varies by stem (commonly 3.5–6 ft / 1–1.8 m). Natural cultivar can reach 5–7 ft over many years. Growth rate slow to moderate (approx. 3–6 in per year with good care).

Hardiness Zones

USDA Zones 4–9 (protect from winter wind and reflected heat in extreme sites)

Foliage Type

Evergreen; small, glossy, dark green leaves that hold color well with minimal winter bronzing

Bloom Time

Early spring; inconspicuous greenish flowers

Growth Rate

Slow to medium; ideal for topiary shaping

Light Requirements

Full sun to part shade; best with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot summers

Attracts Pollinators

Yes — small spring blooms feed early bees

Indoor Friendly

Not a houseplant; short-term display indoors is possible in a bright, cool spot

Container Friendly

Excellent — thrives in quality, well-drained potting mix with drainage holes

Deer Resistant

Yes — aromatic foliage is generally avoided by deer

Pet Warning

Mildly toxic if ingested; can cause vomiting/diarrhea — discourage chewing

Fragrant

Flowers faintly sweet; foliage has classic boxwood scent when bruised

Cut Flower

Not for blooms; evergreen sprigs are long-lasting greenery in arrangements

Grows Well With

Hellebores, Heuchera, Hostas, Hydrangeas, Nepeta, Lavender (in sunnier sites), and ornamental grasses

Care Tips

Planting Instructions

Plant with the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil. Loosen circling roots, backfill with native soil improved with compost if needed, and water in thoroughly. Mulch 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm), keeping mulch off the stem.

Soil Moisture

Keep evenly moist, especially the first 1–2 growing seasons. Avoid waterlogged soil; allow the top inch to dry slightly between waterings in containers.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates a range of soils. Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.8–7.5). Improve heavy clay with grit/compost to enhance drainage.

Humidity

Average outdoor humidity is ideal. Ensure good air circulation to reduce risk of boxwood blight; avoid crowding plants.

Pruning Instructions

Lightly shear 2–3 times during the growing season (late spring through mid-summer) to maintain the canopy. Avoid heavy pruning late in fall. Always prune with clean, sanitized tools.

Winter Care

Water deeply before ground freeze and maintain 2–3 in mulch over roots. Shield from strong winter wind and reflected sun (burlap screen if exposed). Avoid de-icing salt splash near containers or beds.

Planting Depth

Set the trunk flare just above soil grade; never bury the stem. In containers, keep the root ball top 0.5–1 in above the rim to allow for mulch and watering space.

Fertilization

Feed lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow‑release fertilizer (e.g., 5‑5‑5 to 10‑10‑10) or organic top-dress. Avoid heavy nitrogen to prevent soft, winter-tender growth.

Special Care

Stake the standard stem if needed to keep it straight. Rotate containers quarterly for even light. Monitor for boxwood leafminer, psyllid, and blight; maintain airflow, water at the base, and avoid wetting foliage late in the day.