Harland Box has small, glossy, green leaves – thinner than those of most boxwood species – and a striking light-colored trunk that is beautifully textured for a built-in aged look. The flowers are monoecious – male and female on the same plant – and are unique-looking, tiny yellow blooms that typically blossom in April to May. The leaves of boxwood are extremely toxic to pets.
Lighting:
Boxwood are known and loved for their adaptability – they will grow well in full or indirect sunlight. While Buxus harlandii does love the outside air, it should be offered shade in the hottest summer sun to prevent the foliage from burning.
Watering:
Boxwood has a fibrous, shallow root system that needs to be kept moist and cool. They are thirsty plants but should not sit in saturated soil. The soil should be permitted to dry out a bit between watering. One should monitor the soil regularly to assess how your local climate is affecting its water needs and adjust accordingly.
Fertilizer:
Harland Boxwood should be fed slightly less frequently than other boxwoods. Every 20-30 days during the growing season should suffice, using an all-purpose fertilizer/organic fertilizer.
Pests: Boxwood bonsai may be affected by mites, scale, leaf miners, nematodes, or red spider mites. Remove scale by hand or by painting with rubbing alcohol. Other pests may be removed by spraying the plant with a mild insecticide or a mixture of a teaspoon of dish liquid in a quart of water.