Botanical name: Buxus sempervirens
Common name: Boxwood
USDA zones: 5 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: This plant is quite drought tolerant.
Light requirement: Partial shade to full sun
Mature size: Technically, boxwood can get to about 10 feet high and 10 feet wide, but it is a very slow-growing plant.
Benefits and tolerances: Boxwood is somewhat drought tolerant and should not be left sitting in standing water due to its short roots. If you are in a hot climate, try to give it partial shade; if you are closer to the northern zone limits, give it full sun.
Seasonal interest: This is an evergreen plant that has very glossy deep green leaves year-round.
When to plant: Ideally in the fall, but you can plant it in mid to late spring, after the last frost.