The American
Boxwood Society

INTRODUCING THE BOXWOOD COLLECTION
AT THE DAWES ARBORETUM
Newark, Ohio
Rich Larson

Boxwood have been a component of our woody plant collection since 1931, a mere two years after the founding of The Dawes Arboretum. These initial plantings consisted of common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) planted on the north facing foundation of Daweswood House, which then served as a summer residence for founders Beman and Bertie Dawes. Of the 12 boxwood in this initial planting, ten still remain in good standing and give credence to the durability of boxwood in the landscape.

Approximately 36 years elapsed before additional plantings were made. In 1967, the Arboretum received plants of common boxwood under the name ‘Anderson-350-35’ from Ohio State University. Our clone has proven to be hardy to USDA zone 5b and forms a beautiful low-growing, horizontal shrub with relatively large, glossy green leaves year round.

During the 1970s and ‘80s, two of the four named hybrid varieties, ‘Green Gem’ and ‘Green Velvet’, which originated from the Sheridan Nurseries in Canada, were planted on our Holly Hill garden.

Both have lived up to their repute, demonstrating excellent hybrid vigor, resistance to frost damage and tolerance of full sun and winter winds.