Korean Boxwood Care

Protection From Winds

• Korean boxwood grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. In colder zones such as zones 4 through 6, it's important to protect boxwood from winter winds. Korean boxwoods are the most cold-hardy of the boxwood shrubs, according to Floridata, with cultivars like Tide Hill and Winter Green suitable for zone 4. Winter winds can dry out the boxwood and its evergreen leaves, so planting them in a sheltered location keeps them out of the potentially damaging breezes.

Soil and Root Conditions

• Korean boxwood does best in a damp, sandy loam soil. The soil should drain well. In poorly draining areas where water accumulates in the ground, Korean boxwood suffers from root rot. Korean boxwood shares a common trait among boxwoods; they have shallow roots. Water these shrubs during dry periods; pay particular attention to boxwoods located in a full-sun location, which require extra moisture during times of drought. Laying down a layer of mulch about the roots can keep the roots damp. Boxwood's shallow roots make it nearly impossible to grow any other plants near the shrub.

Pruning

• Korean boxwoods are tolerant of heavy pruning, as long as they are pruned during the appropriate season. Keep Korean boxwoods along the edge of a driveway or walkway trimmed by pruning them lightly in the summer. Do your major shaping of Korean boxwood in late spring. Provide the shrubs with fertilizer and mulch afterward.

Sun Requirements

• All types of boxwood will grow well when situated in partial shade, but boxwoods also do well in full sun. In colder zones, established Korean boxwoods thrive in full sun. In warmer climates such as USDA zones 7 through 9, it is prudent to locate Korean boxwood in a partly shady site to give it protection from the afternoon sun.