How to Plant American Boxwood

Select a site in full sun that also receives some shade. The plants adapt to a range of soil types as long as it drains well, with a preferred soil pH of 6.5 to 7. American boxwood does not require very fertile soil to grow well.

Buy plants that have strong stems and dark green leaves. Slip the root ball out of containers and examine the roots. Avoid plants that have rotted or dark roots and those that have galls on them.

Plant either during fall or between late winter and early spring during above-freezing temperatures, as recommended by Alabama Cooperative Extension. You can, however, plant boxwoods throughout the year too if you give them the right care.

Dig the planting hole three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Do not plant too deeply as the plants are shallow-rooted and are likely to get root rot or suffer from dieback. Position the top of the root ball an inch or two above the soil line. Fill in the planting hole.

Apply two to three inches of organic mulch such as pine bark or pine straw to new plants. Start applying two to three inches away from stems and trunk, and extend 12 inches beyond the plant canopy.

Water plants thoroughly and then once a week until plants are well established. Hold back the water during periods of rain. Avoid the use of overhead irrigation as it can lead to foliage disorders.

Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 tbsp. per foot of plant height once in spring and in mid-summer.