Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Pincushion' (Pincushion Boxwood)


Michael's Opinion

A charming plant, one of the more diminutive boxwoods and as the name implies has the appearance of a pin cushion due to its protruding growth in the spring. Clipping as is common with boxwoods destroy this effect. A nice detail plant for the garden and as a winter foil.

Botanical Information

FamilyBuxaceae
GenusBuxus
Speciessinica
Varietyinsularis
Cultivar'Pincushion'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-23 - (-29)
Temperature (°F)-10 - (-20)
Height75 cm
Spread75 cm
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLow-mounded shrub with light green foliage.
ID CharacteristicLeaves are round ovate turning bronze in winter.
ShapeLow-mounded.
PropagationPropagate in mid-summer by taking semi-ripe cuttings from the current season's growth. Collect in the early morning using a sharp knife to cut pieces 10 - 15 cm in length. Remove all leaves from the lower third and pinch out any soft terminal growth. Dip into a number 2 rooting hormone, insert into trays or pots of cutting compost (50/50 mix of compost and sharp sand or perlite) and water well. Place in a propagator with bottom heat set at 15°C with or without mist; rooting should occur in 4 - 6 weeks.
CultivationWell drained soil, mulch with peat or leaf mold as roots like cool moist conditions. Full sun or light to moderate shade, protect from drying winds, has shallow roots.
PestsSpider mites may be an occasional problem in hot summers. As of late Boxwood blight has become a major problem both in Europe and most of North America. The fungus Cylindrocladium buxicola causes leaf spots, defoliation and even extensive die-back. The disease can be spread by water splash, tools and footwear and can survive for up to six years in the soil. It thrives in moist, humid environments but is killed when exposed to temperatures in excess of 33 °C for at least a week. The disease also affects Pachysandra, Sarocococca and Buxus balearica, sinica, macowanii, microphylla, bodinieri, glomerata, harlandii, sempervirens and riparia.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College Gardens (front of M building), London, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSlender, green, flat, grooved between each pair of leaves, sharply quadrangular.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall, solitary, sessile, ovoid with 1-2 pairs visible.
Leaf DescriptionRounded ovate, 8 mm long, light green turning bronze in winter.
Flower DescriptionApetalous, axillary or terminal clusters,not showy but fragrant.
Fruit DescriptionThree-celled capsule, each valve 2 horned, shiney black.
Colour DescriptionLight green turning bronze in winter.
Texture DescriptionMedium-fine.

Photographs