How to Care for English Boxwood Shrubs

Plant boxwood shrubs in well-drained soil, avoiding moist areas of the lawn, downspouts or places that accumulate standing water. Plant boxwoods in partial shade to full sunlight.

Water boxwoods deeply (until water saturates 6 to 8 inches of soil), thoroughly soaking soil every week in spring and summer when rainfall measures less than 1 inch of accumulation--light watering does not encourage deep root growth and encourages salt buildup in soil, which may kill roots. Water shrubs in winter only if the ground becomes excessively dry and hard.

Add a 1- to 2-inch layer of woody mulch under shrubs to help conserve soil moisture and keep roots from drying out, as well as prevent weed growth. Mulch should extend 12 inches beyond the shrub's leaf canopy.

Prune away dead and damaged branches whenever you notice them, no matter the season. Make clean cuts to branches with sharp pruning shears, cutting back to healthy wood.

Remove leaves that have grown or fallen into the crotches of branches by hand every year in early spring.

Protect English boxwood shrubs from deep snows and frigid winter temperatures by covering plants with burlap. Stick wooden stakes into the ground to hold burlap in place and drape it over and around shrubs; do not let the burlap rest directly on the plant.

Brush snow away from boxwoods with a broom unless branches are frozen; frozen branches may snap and break during snow removal.

Prune boxwoods in early to mid-summer, never in late summer--this may encourage new growth that will be damaged by early frost. Prune boxwoods only once or twice per year to maintain shape. Excessive pruning encourages dense, unhealthy growth.