Tide Hill Korean Boxwood

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Tide Hill')

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Tide Hill') is a low-growing, spreading evergreen prized for its compact form and exceptional winter hardiness. This cultivar is ideal for small-space plantings, low borders, or areas requiring a ground-hugging shrub with year-round foliage. With fine-textured leaves and a naturally mounded shape, it provides consistent structure without the need for frequent pruning.

Distinctive Features

'Tide Hill' reaches only about 1 to 2 feet tall but can spread 3 to 5 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for edging or mass plantings. Its small, rich green leaves retain color well throughout the seasons and resist winter bronzing better than many other boxwoods. The plant maintains a tidy, layered habit that softens hard edges in the landscape while still offering formal appeal when used in repeated patterns or symmetrical designs.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Grows well in full sun to partial shade; prefers dappled light in hot climates.
• Soil: Performs best in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Water: Moderate; requires consistent moisture, especially in the first year of establishment.
• Humidity: Tolerates humidity well with good airflow between plants.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8; one of the hardiest boxwoods available.

Ideal Uses

• Low Borders: Perfect for lining walkways, patios, or raised beds without overwhelming nearby plants.
• Foundation Plantings: Adds a neat, evergreen layer close to buildings or garden structures.
• Mass Plantings: Creates soft, uniform coverage over large spaces where taller shrubs would be unsuitable.
• Rock Gardens: Fits naturally into sloped or rocky areas due to its spreading, low form.
• Formal Patterns: Can be spaced evenly in tight designs for a clean, structured look.

Low Maintenance Care

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood is easy to care for and needs minimal intervention to maintain its shape. Once established, it is drought tolerant and slow growing, reducing the need for frequent shearing. Proper siting and spacing help minimize pest or disease issues.

• Watering: Water deeply during dry periods; consistent moisture is most important during establishment.
• Pruning: Rarely needed, but light shaping can be done in late spring if desired.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage dense growth.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to common boxwood pests with good air circulation.
• Winter Care: Extremely hardy with little risk of leaf bronzing; mulching around roots helps retain moisture and protect in harsh conditions.

Why Choose Tide Hill Korean Boxwood?

Tide Hill Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Tide Hill') is one of the most cold-tolerant options for low-growing evergreen coverage. It blends effortlessly into both traditional and modern landscapes and provides evergreen reliability in a neat, manageable package.

• Compact, Spreading Form: Excellent for edging and coverage without height concerns.
• Cold Hardy: Performs well even in zone 4 climates.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and is easy to care for long term.
• Resistant to Winter Burn: Holds color and form through tough winters.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Suitable for small spaces, groundcovers, or formal plantings.

For compact evergreen structure that thrives in cold climates, Tide Hill Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Tide Hill') delivers dependable coverage with a refined appearance.