Re: boxwood

> The 1st boxwood I ever saw in the "woods" was at the Hosta Glade at the
> University of Minnesota's Landscape Arboretum.  I was struck by it's tiny
> leaves contrasting so nicely with the hosta's large foliage, so
> I went out
> and bought one maybe 4 years ago. I was told at the nursery it
> would not grow
> in the shade, but it sure is growing fine under my crab apple.

Hi all,
I just returned from Los Angeles and am catching up on all my e-mail.  I saw
Cindy's message about boxwood and had to respond.

Back in 1956 I got the "newly available" boxwood from The Elmore Nursery
(Elmore, MN and perhaps no longer in existence) and it proved hardy.  It is
probably the same that you got Cindy as most boxwoods are not hardy in
Minnesota.  It is Buxus microphylla var.koreana.  It isn't as neat a grower
as English boxwood but wait until you smell its flowers!  I first noticed
them in Minnesota on a warm sunny day in March.  I kept looking for plum
blossoms and none were blooming yet.  But the air was filled with plum
blossom fragrance.  They really carry on the air.  English boxwood doesn't
have pleasant-smelling flowers, although some of the hybrids with B.m. var.
koreana do (The hybrids were made to increase hardiness).  One other
note...don't be too tidy as the Korean boxwood will drop its seeds and grow
seedlings in Minnesota.  They never have here however (in Oregon).  Of
course I brought seedlings from my original plants with me.  They are
blooming here right now!  And oh, they do well in part shade to full sun.

Louis
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