Koreana Korean Boxwood

Korean littleleaf boxwood is a broadleaf evergreen with small, glossy leaves and a naturally open, spreading habit. Its foliage can bronze or turn brown in cold weather, while the year-round structure works well in low hedges and foundation plantings. ## Form and placement Oregon State University describes *Buxus microphylla* var. *koreana* as an upright, somewhat open shrub about 2 feet tall and wider than tall. The [University of Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/plantdetail.cfm?PlantID=325&PlantTypeID=8) lists Korean boxwood at 3–4 feet tall and wide, showing how size varies among selections and conditions. Use it where its spreading outline has room, such as a low hedge or foundation planting. ## Growing conditions The [Oregon State Landscape Plants database](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/buxus-microphylla-var-koreana) lists sun to part shade, USDA zone 4 hardiness, and notes that winter foliage may brown. Illinois Extension recommends moist, well-drained soil, mulch to keep roots cool, and protection from drying winter winds. Korean boxwood’s foliage color can vary with cultivar and exposure. ## Maintenance Keep the shallow root zone mulched and evenly moist during establishment. Protect foliage from drying winds and harsh winter sun, and prune selectively to maintain a low hedge or natural outline. Monitor for boxwood leafminer, mites, scale and leaf diseases, which Illinois Extension lists among possible problems.