New Buxus Flat-tery features an unusual prostrate growth habit

Buxus Flat-tery, selected by Michael Yanny of JN Plant Selections, LLC, is a distinctive boxwood due to its unique, prostrate habit, Zone 4 hardiness and extended juvenile growth period which means a green winter color and few fruit pods.

This will appeal to designers looking for compact, prostrate broadleaf evergreens for landscapes and container gardens. It’s equally at home as a medium-height groundcover as it is performing in container combos. Its name aptly describes its shape: wider than it is tall. With its small, fine-textured glossy green leaves and a low-growing habit, designers can get the look of cotoneasters without their associated problems. This variety adds texture to shade gardens when paired with hosta, ferns, carex and other shade staples.

The Habit

Buxus Flat-tery originated from a seedling of ‘Green Velvet’ that was planted in 1989. It was one of 100 plants that were screened from a crop of about 1,000 seedlings for superior hardiness in Wisconsin conditions.

Breeder Mike Yanny noticed that the low growing form of this plant was similar to the popular Picea abies ‘Nidiformis,’ Nest Spruce. “I was not familiar with any hardy boxwoods with this kind of form in commerce,” he says, so he moved ahead with propagation. He says that, to this day, “the original plant, from 1989 seed, has very few flower buds on it and still retains its rich, bright green juvenile foliage.”

The Color

In comparison to other boxwoods, Buxus Flat-tery stays in its juvenile phase longer than most, resulting in fewer fruit pods and a lasting green winter color.

The Details

• Height & spread: 24” tall by 4’ wide
• Flower: Very few, because it remains juvenile
• Cold hardiness: Zone 4
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, pH 6.0-8.0
• Landscape uses: Groundcover or green accent in shade garden
• Propagation: Summer or winter cuttings

To purchase Buxus Flat-tery liners, visit www.silverfallsnursery.com or www.shrubliners.com.