I currently have 14 Boxwood 'Morris Midget' shrubs (Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Morris Midget') scattered about my garden. The name should clue you in that this is a dwarf Boxwood that ultimately grows into a 12-inch x 12 inch mound. I bought ten of them in 2010 at $6.00 each and added more the next two years. The ones that were planted first — like the one on the right below — are about at that mature size after five years. But even as very tiny plants they have a charming presence.
I have a group of five of them planted in somewhat subdued light which does not seem to adversely affect them. The ones in sunnier spots — as well as the shadier locations — all came through the last two harsh winters with no ill effects. Lack of snow cover in very cold weather would be a problem, however. I also have not pruned them as they really don't need it. My biggest concern is that I haven't seen any to buy locally for the last couple of years and I definitely would like to add a few more!
I only have three plants of this dwarf Japanese Hemlock 'Loowit' (Tsuga diversifolia 'Loowit') — and I love every one of them. The new spring growth is a stunning bright green as you can see from the photo below. Loowit is an American Indian name for Mount St. Helens.
This is a definite slow grower that will ultimately get about 15-18 inches high and 2 feet wide in ten years. It has a fairly tight bun shape with short needles.
The pictures above and the one directly below are all of the same plant at different times of the year. You can see how it visually holds its own against larger and bright plants.
If you look closely in the the bottom right corner of the picture below you will see another'Loowit' hiding under a fern, probably Dre's Dagger. These little shrubs can be plunked in anywhere and then the encroaching perennials can be cut back or removed as necessary.
'Loowit' is visible on the right side of this path and his partner is opposite near the red Barberry. Adding shrubs like these, as well as larger ones, is one of the ways I am slowly trying to decrease maintenance in the garden. (Click on the photo to enlarge it).
Here's my third 'Loowit' in the lower right corner. Opposite it, on the other side of the group of Shooting Stars, is a 'Morris Midget' Boxwood.
Because of the tragic problems with Wooly Ageldids killing Canadian Hemlocks on the East Coast, I have refrained from adding any more to my garden in the last couple of years. Tsuga diversifolia, northern Japanese Hemlock, seems to be more resistant to this infestation and is being monitored and studied by a number of groups. So at this point, I will probably add a few more 'Loowits' as it is another little garden gem that has done well in my zone 5 Wisconsin garden. Rabbits have never bothered either the Hemlocks or Boxwoods, another point in favor of both plants. Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery sells 'Loowit" as does Far Reaches Farm.
