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Woody > Buxus > Buxus sinica > Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Pincushion'

Buxus sinica

var. insularis 'Pincushion'


Pincushion Boxwood




            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

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.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Buxaceae
Genus
Buxus
Species
sinica
Cultivar
'Pincushion'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Variety
insularis
USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9
Canadian Hardiness Zone
5
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-23 - (-29)
Temperature (°F)
-10 - (-20)
Height
75 cm
Spread
75 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
June
General Description
Low-mounded shrub with light green foliage.
Cultivation
Well 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.
Shape
Low-mounded.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Leaves are round ovate turning bronze in winter.
Pests
Spider 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.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Slender, green, flat, grooved between each pair of leaves, sharply quadrangular.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Small, solitary, sessile, ovoid with 1-2 pairs visible.
Leaf Description
Rounded ovate, 8 mm long, light green turning bronze in winter.
Flower Description
Apetalous, axillary or terminal clusters,not showy but fragrant.
Fruit Description
Three-celled capsule, each valve 2 horned, shiney black.
Colour Description
Light green turning bronze in winter.
Texture Description
Medium-fine.
Notable Specimens
The Gardens of Fanshawe College Gardens (front of M building), London, Ontario, Canada.
Propagation
Propagate 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.
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