How to Grow Chicagoland Green Boxwood
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Chicagoland Green Boxwood
Buxus microphylla var. koreana 'Chicagoland Green'
shrubChicagoland Green is a hardy, cold-tolerant boxwood cultivar developed specifically for Midwest climates. This compact evergreen shrub features small, glossy green leaves and maintains excellent color through harsh winters without the bronzing common in other boxwoods. It's ideal for hedges, borders, and formal landscaping.
When should you plant Chicagoland Green Boxwood in your zone?
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Example Chicagoland Green Boxwood timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chicagoland Green Boxwood
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Chicagoland Green Boxwood
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8, with exceptional cold hardiness to zone 4a
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Establishment
3-6 monthsNewly planted shrub with fresh foliage; root system developing
Water regularly (2-3 times weekly) for first growing season. Avoid heavy pruning. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of wood chips. Protect from wind exposure.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsRapid shoot elongation; dense branching develops; leaves remain vibrant green year-round
Begin light shaping in spring and early summer. Prune no later than August to avoid stimulating tender new growth before winter. Fertilize in spring with balanced shrub fertilizer.
Maturation
Ongoing, 3+ yearsPlant reaches desired size and form; fully dense branching structure; maintains rich green color through winter
Maintain shape with annual pruning in spring and midsummer. Reduce watering once established but monitor during extended droughts. Continue balanced fertilization annually.
Winter Dormancy
4-6 months (December-March in most zones)Growth slows dramatically; foliage maintains green color without bronzing; no new shoots emerge
Reduce watering frequency but don't allow soil to dry completely. Apply additional mulch in harsh climates. Monitor for snow/ice damage; gently brush off heavy snow loads.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Prune out infested leaves; apply horticultural oil in early spring before adult emergence; systemic insecticides if severe
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Spray with horticultural oil or miticide in spring and fall; improve air circulation through pruning; maintain plant health
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Usually cosmetic damage only; prune out affected shoots; systemic insecticides for severe infestations
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Increase humidity; spray with strong water stream; use miticides if populations are high; horticultural oil sprays
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Remove and destroy infected plants; avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; sanitize pruning tools between cuts; apply fungicide preventatively
Uses
Formal Hedging & Topiary
HouseholdChicagoland Green's dense branching and small leaves make it ideal for precise hedges, borders, and formal topiary work. Its superior cold hardiness extends boxwood hedging possibilities into colder climates where other varieties struggle. [source]
Winter Interest Landscaping
HouseholdUnlike many boxwoods that bronze in winter cold, Chicagoland Green maintains vibrant green color year-round, providing consistent visual interest through harsh winters and improving landscape aesthetics. [source]
Wildlife Shelter & Nesting
WildlifeThe dense evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals year-round, while the small leaves and compact growth create a protected microhabitat. [source]
Container & Specimen Planting
HouseholdChicagoland Green's compact size and attractive form make it suitable for container gardening on patios, balconies, and entryways, maintaining structure and color in decorative pots. [source]
Fresh Foliage Arrangement
CraftThe small, glossy leaves and flexible stems can be harvested for fresh floral arrangements and Christmas decorations, providing long-lasting green material. [source]
Harvest Tips
Chicagoland Green Boxwood is grown for ornamental foliage, not harvest. Prune in spring (April-May) and early summer (July) to maintain desired shape and density. Remove dead or diseased wood year-round. Avoid heavy pruning after August to prevent stimulating new growth before winter.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chicagoland Green was specifically bred and selected by Chicagoland Grows™ program for outstanding performance in Midwest climates, making it hardier than the typical English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) used in warmer zones.
- 🌱 Boxwood has been used in formal European gardens for over 2,000 years, but Chicagoland Green is a modern cultivar developed to overcome the winter color loss and damage that plagued earlier varieties in cold climates.
- 🌱 The tiny leaves of boxwood are so dense and fine that the plant can be pruned into virtually any shape, including intricate animals and geometric patterns, a practice called topiary that dates back to Roman times.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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