Chicagoland Green Boxwood

Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus x 'Glencoe')

Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus x 'Glencoe') is a hardy, evergreen shrub developed for cold climates and dependable performance. Selected by the Chicago Botanic Garden, this cultivar was bred specifically for winter durability, resisting the bronzing that affects many other boxwoods. It maintains a dense, mounded habit with fine-textured, glossy foliage that remains rich green year-round, even in harsh northern conditions.

Distinctive Features

This slow-growing cultivar typically reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide, forming a naturally rounded shape without excessive pruning. Its foliage is smaller and more refined than that of common boxwoods, lending a polished, uniform appearance to hedges and borders. With improved cold tolerance and disease resistance, it�s well suited for both residential landscapes and commercial applications in USDA Zones 5 and colder.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade; protection from intense afternoon sun in warmer zones helps prevent leaf scorch.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with good organic content.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during the first growing season and during extended drought.
• Humidity: Performs best in moderate humidity with good air circulation.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8; extremely cold hardy and reliable in northern regions.

Ideal Uses

• Foundation Plantings: Reliable structure and evergreen mass in front beds and borders.
• Formal Hedges: Clean shape makes it ideal for low hedging and defined garden lines.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs well with flowering perennials, grasses, and dwarf conifers.
• Winter Interest: Holds color and form even through northern winters.
• Containers: Works well in large planters where cold exposure is a concern.

Low Maintenance Care

Chicagoland Green Boxwood requires minimal care once established. Its naturally rounded shape means less pruning, and its cold hardiness eliminates the need for winter wrapping in most situations. Mulch around the root zone helps protect roots and retain soil moisture year-round.

• Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the establishment period; once mature, tolerates short dry spells.
• Pruning: Requires little shaping but can be sheared lightly in spring or early summer to maintain form.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to support healthy foliage.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Tolerant of common boxwood issues with proper care and site selection.
• Winter Care: Developed for cold climates; retains color and structure without winter bronzing.

Why Choose Chicagoland Green Boxwood?

Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus x 'Glencoe') offers consistent performance, elegant form, and rugged hardiness, making it an excellent choice for colder climates and year-round landscape structure.

• Cold Hardy Selection: Bred specifically to withstand Chicago winters without bronzing.
• Compact, Rounded Form: Naturally neat with little to no shaping required.
• Year-Round Color: Holds deep green foliage even through snowy winters.
• Adaptable and Durable: Performs well in urban, suburban, and rural settings.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep needed once established.

Whether you're creating a formal garden or adding structure to a mixed border, Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus x 'Glencoe') delivers beauty and reliability season after season.