Boxleaf Euonymus

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color:
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Boxleaf Euonymus (Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus') - Compact Evergreen Shrub with Year-Round Appeal

The Boxleaf Euonymus, also known as Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus', is a compact, evergreen shrub highly valued for its boxwood-like foliage, dense growth, and versatility. Its small, glossy leaves, neat form, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for formal gardens, low hedges, and foundation plantings.

Key Features of Boxleaf Euonymus

• Compact Growth: Grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, dense shape ideal for low hedges and formal garden designs.
• Glossy Foliage: Small, dark green leaves provide a fine-textured, rich color year-round, adding structure and elegance to the landscape.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Resistant to pests and diseases, contributing to its ease of care.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adapting well to different light conditions.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
• Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.

Landscaping Uses

• Formal Hedges and Borders: Perfect for low hedges or border plantings, adding a structured element to formal landscapes.
• Topiary and Shaping: Responds well to pruning, making it ideal for topiary and sculpted designs in the garden.
• Containers and Foundation Plantings: Suitable for container planting on patios or as a foundation shrub, providing greenery and texture in smaller spaces.

Care and Maintenance

• Minimal Pruning: Regular light pruning helps maintain its shape, and it can be trimmed into various forms.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal care is required once established, and it remains resilient against common pests and diseases.

Summary

The Boxleaf Euonymus is a low-maintenance, versatile evergreen shrub that offers year-round color, structure, and texture to the landscape. Its compact size, drought tolerance, and adaptability to different light and soil conditions make it an excellent choice for a variety of landscaping styles. Whether used in formal hedges, topiary, or container gardens, Boxleaf Euonymus brings an elegant and durable element to both residential and commercial garden designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Boxleaf Euonymus

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth; can tolerate more shade, but full sun encourages the best form and growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature size and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking required; Boxleaf Euonymus is a compact shrub with a dense, bushy form that maintains its shape naturally

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Boxleaf Euonymus is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall. Boxleaf Euonymus is drought-tolerant once established but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry winter periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure that water reaches the root zone and promotes deep root growth.
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering. This ensures that water penetrates deeply into the soil and supports healthy root development.
• Number of Emitters: Place 1-2 emitters around the base of each plant to ensure even water distribution around the root zone. Adjust the number of emitters as the plant matures.
• Irrigation Zone: Set up a dedicated irrigation zone for Boxleaf Euonymus and other shrubs that require moderate watering. This allows you to adjust the watering frequency and amount based on their specific needs.
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, you may need to increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure the plant stays hydrated. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks, or adjust based on rainfall.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Boxleaf Euonymus prefers well-drained soil and does not like sitting in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil drains well and avoid standing water around the base.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Avoid placing mulch directly against the plant’s stem to prevent rot.