Himalayan Boxwood

Himalayan boxwood (Buxus wallichiana) is a shrub native from eastern Afghanistan through the Himalaya, Nepal, and Pakistan to northern Thailand. Kew accepts the species name and places it in the boxwood family, Buxaceae. ## Range and growing context The [Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Plants of the World Online profile](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/340327-1) lists the species’ broad native range and describes it as a shrub in temperate biomes. That range covers varied regional climates, so local conditions should guide planting and mature-size expectations. General [RHS boxwood guidance](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/box/growing-guide) recommends sun or shade with adequate moisture and drainage; this advice applies to boxwood broadly rather than to a specific Himalayan selection. ## Maintenance Choose a well-drained site suited to the local climate and allow room for substantial shrub growth. Water young plants as conditions require, and prune lightly to preserve a natural outline. Inspect periodically for common boxwood pests and disease, and improve airflow if foliage becomes dense.