Boxwood Shrub Information

Characteristics

• Boxwood, known scientifically as Buxus, includes about 70 species of slow-growing evergreen shrubs with dense small green leaves. They are native to parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Central America, according to Dave's Gardens.

  Most upright boxwoods grow 4 to 6 feet tall. More compact dwarf varieties have been developed for use as decorative plants. Boxwoods flower in mid- to late-spring, producing lightly fragrant yellow or cream blossoms.

Uses

• Boxwood plants' dense foliage and variety of growing patterns allow landscapers to use it in many different ways: outlining a walkway, creating a border, providing a green background for more colorful garden plants or being trimmed into fanciful topiary art.

  Some varieties grow upward in columns while others form rounded globes, according to Backyard Landscape Ideas. Some types grow outward close to the ground and others extend weeping branches downward from a tall trunk.

Planting

• Boxwoods should be planted in holes dug twice as wide as the root ball, but no deeper than the pot in which it was purchased, according to Backyard Landscape Ideas. Regular watering should be maintained until the plant is established. Mulch around the base of the plant helps keep the roots moist and cool.

  Boxwoods can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer through fall, according to the North Carolina State University extension service. Cuttings of about 6 inches in length should be taken from healthy plants. The lower 2 inches of leaves should be removed and the cutting inserted in rooting media.

Care

• Boxwood shrubs benefit from fertilizing twice during the growing season, according to Backyard Landscape Ideas.

  Annual pruning or shearing of the outer growth of new leaves can maintain the shape and density of boxwood shrubs. Shearing uniformly removes all of the latest growth, which increases the density and compactness of the plant. Shearing should only be performed in early summer, according to Backyard Landscape Ideas. Late shearing can reduce the plant's ability to store nutrients for winter.

Types

• Green Tower boxwood is native to the Mediterranean regions and a popular variety for formal Roman-style gardens. Green Velvet boxwood produces bright green leaves and is favored for hedges.

  Green Tower boxwoods can reach heights of 10 feet. American boxwood Variegata produces variegated foliage of green and light cream colors.

  Green Mountain boxwood grows upright with small leaves while Green Gem, a dwarf variety, grows into a mound shape. Dwarf English boxwood grows dense pale green leaves and is prized for bonsai, topiary and small hedges.

  Hardy Wintergreen and Winter Gem boxwoods often are used for hedges in cooler climates.

Considerations

• Boxwood shrubs do best in well-drained soil. They should not be planted near downspouts or under eaves where dripping water keeps soil saturated. Boxwoods prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun in some areas, according to Backyard Landscape Ideas.

  Winter conditions can injure boxwood plants, producing reddish-brown leaves known as "bronzing" from exposure to extreme cold, harsh winter sun, wind or frost, according to the North Carolina State University extension service.

  The potential for bronzing can be reduced by growing boxwood in wind-protected areas or by using wind breaks or covers during winter months. Bronzing does not kill the plant, but may affect its shape, growth and appearance in the spring.