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Meet the Breeder

Norman Schniegenberg

NEATBALL™

Boxwood - littleleaf

Buxus microphylla

'NSBBL'

PPAF; CBRAF

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A group of Neatball boxwoods in a landscape

Neatball boxwood with dark green foliage in a landscape

Close up of the yellow flowers and dark foliage of Neatball Boxwood

Dense, tidy habit
Green, even in winter
Deer resistant

Description: It's not unusual for boxwood to naturally grow with tidy, dense, globe-like habits, and Neatball boxwood (Buxus microphylla) does that and more - it holds the deep green of its evergreen foliage all through winter without bronzing or browning. Neatball boxwood is an improved version of the classic 'Green Velvet'.

USDA Zone: 4b - 9 (-25°F/-31.7°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun, Shade
Height: 2-3'
Width: 3'
Finish Time: 1.5 seasons
Type: Evergreen
Bloom Time: spring
Flower Color: Yellow
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

General Care

Soil

Boxwood prefers neutral to alkaline soil; well-drained soils are a must. Benefits greatly from a 1" layer of mulch. Avoid compacted sites.

Pruning

Boxwood does not typically require pruning as a matter of course, but if plants are being used for clipped hedging or topiary, do so in late spring or early summer, after the new growth has emerged. Avoid cutting into thick stems.

Uses

Hedges; borders; foundation plantings.

Growing Tips

Boxwood is one of the most shade tolerant and deer resistant shrubs. Minimize winter damage by providing late season irrigation if weather is dry, and installing a layer of mulch. This is especially recommended for plants spending winter in containers.