How to Grow an African Boxwood

Plant African boxwood in full sunlight or partial shade. The shrub tolerates nearly any type of well-drained soil, but is susceptible to rot in moist, poorly draining soil.

Dig a hole only as deep as the height of the shrub's root ball, but make the hole twice as wide as the root ball.

Place the shrub in the hole, at the same depth it was planted in the nursery container. Planting the shrub too deep may cause the plant to rot.

Water the African boxwood deeply immediately after planting. After that time, water the plant once every week during hot, dry weather, saturating the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Continue regular waterings until the plant is established -- usually about two years.

Spread 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch in a 12- to 14-inch diameter around the plant, but don't allow the mulch to mound against the trunk. Use an organic mulch such as shredded pine bark. Replenish the mulch as it decomposes or blows away.

Apply a balanced granular fertilizer with a ratio such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 every year, in late winter or early spring. Use about 1 1/2 cups of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of planting space. Always water immediately after fertilizing.

Prune African boxwood nearly any time of year, but avoid pruning during the six to eight weeks before the first average frost date. Avoid severe pruning, but prune lightly as needed to maintain the shape or remove damaged or dead branches.