Buxus x sempervirens 'Rochester' (Rochester Boxwood)


Michael's Opinion

This is a great specimen shrub but is commonly used for hedging or massing. With some maintenance required, this tree can be used anywhere in the landscape.

Botanical Information

FamilyBuxaceae
GenusBuxus
Speciesx sempervirens
Cultivar'Rochester'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginIntroduced by Girard Nursuries of the United Kingdom in the late 1960's.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7 - 9
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10 - (-24)
Temperature (°F)-10 - (-15)
Height2 m
Spread1.5 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril, May

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA good plant for the common landscaper as the look is quite appealing.
ID CharacteristicA dense and slow growing cultivar that grows 2 m in 10 years. Leaves will bronze in the winter if plant becomes unhealthy. Deep green in colour with ideal conditions.
ShapeRounded to broad-rounded shrub.
LandscapeHedging, massing or as a specimen.
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.
CultivationGrows in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soils. It prefers soils to be slightly acidic or alkaline. Likes having a good source of organic matter, which can be obtained by mulching 2.5–5 cm under the plant. Winter winds can cause damage to the plant and could kill it.
PestsBlights and leaf spots are common on boxwoods, root rot can also be a problem in poorly-drained soils. Boxwood leafminer, mite and psyllid can be problems as well. 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.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThe stem on the plant is somewhat angled and minutely hairy.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are small scales that look like the leaves of the boxwood and are loosely attached at the tips. Many of them encase the middle part of the bud. The buds are quite small in size.
Leaf DescriptionSmall, elliptic to oval to oblong leaves which can be 2–5 cm in length and are simple, opposite, and smooth margined.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are white in colour but are not very showy. It has apetalous flowers which are then in axillary clusters.
Fruit DescriptionThe fruit is a 3 horned dehiscent capsule with 2 seeds in each and 40 mm in length.
Colour DescriptionDark glossy green on the top and yellowish green below the leaf and may turn brown in the winter.
Texture DescriptionMedium-fine texture.

Photographs