Boxwood ‘Justin Brouwers’

* Common name: Boxwood ‘Justin Brouwers’

* Botanical name: Buxus sinica var. insularis ‘Justin Brouwers’

* What it is: A green, broad-leafed evergreen that grows slowly in a compact ball. This one has smaller leaves than most and holds its green color well in winter.

* Size: 2 feet tall, 3 feet around.

* Where to use: Excellent foundation evergreen, especially under windows or where low height is needed. Also makes a nice low hedge lining a walk, driveway or patio. Good choice for a knot garden and even does containers. Part shade is ideal but will tolerate everything from full sun to full shade.

* Care: Virtually none after watering regularly to establish roots in the first season. A scattering of a balanced granular fertilizer is helpful each spring but not mandatory. Needs no pruning so long as size is OK and you prefer a loose mound. If you like a formal, neat look, shear two to three times a year from end of winter through mid-summer.

* Great partner: Tulips for spring. Foamflowers, lamium and/or fringe-leaf bleeding hearts are good part-shade perennial partners.

— George Weigel