Boxwood ‘Elegantissima’

* Common name: Boxwood ‘Elegantissima’

* Botanical name: Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegantissima’

* What it is: A broad-leafed evergreen with a compact, slow-growing, upright habit and bright variegated green-and-white leaves.

* Size: 5 feet tall, 4 feet around.

* Where to use: Flank doorways with a pair or use as an evergreen specimen in any foundation bed or mixed garden. Especially good at lighting up shadier spots but also can do full sun or containers.

* Care: Virtually none after watering regularly to establish roots in the first season.  A scattering of Plant-tone or similar organic granular fertilizer is helpful each spring but not absolutely necessary. A light annual shearing or two (end of winter and early summer) is optional if you like a neat look.

* Great partner: A ring of pink or red impatiens or begonias look nice around ‘Elegantissmia’s’ feet in shade. Dark-leafed coralbells or liriope are good perennial partners.

— George Weigel