Woody > Buxus > Buxus sempervirens > Buxus sempervirens 'Grey Dawn'

Family

Buxaceae

Genus

Buxus

Species

sempervirens

Cultivar

'Grey Dawn'

Category

Woody

Type

Shrub (evergreen)

Pronunciation

USDA Hardiness Zone

6

Canadian Hardiness Zone

5a - 6a

RHS Hardiness Zone

H7 - H6

Temperature (°C)

-23 - (-18)

Temperature (°F)

-10 - 0

Height

120 - 180 cm

Photographs

Description and Growing Information

Flowering Period

General Description

An upright, weeping plant with evergreen foliage.

Landscape

Makes for an excellent shrub border or hedge.

Shape

Rounded evergreen shrub.

Growth

Slow

Pests

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.

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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