Home Garden
# Home & Garden >> Plants, Flowers & Herbs >> Shrubs

What Does a Boxwood Shrub Look Like?

Boxwoods (Buxus) are a family of small trees and shrubs with approximately 70 members. They are a diverse group of plants widely used in landscapes across the United States. Depending on the species, they are used as both small trees for shade or shrubs for borders, along walkways and for adding texture. Each species has a different look and grows in a variety of locations, generally as far north as U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5 and as far south as zone 8.

  1. Height

    • Boxwoods are slow-growing evergreens that vary greatly in height. The American boxwood (B. sempervirens) is an example of a tall boxwood species. It averages approximately 10 feet in height, but can grow as tall as 20 feet with a 15-foot spread. The littleleaf boxwood (B. microphylla) is a shorter example, a species reaching a maximum of 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. An intermediate option and an American boxwood cultivar is the Graham Blandy (B. "Graham Blandy"), a column-shaped plant with an average maximum height of 8 feet with a 2-foot spread. Most boxwood varieties fall between 6 and 50 feet in height.

    Shape

    • Shape is a diverse area for boxwoods, a characteristic making them ideal for most gardens. The exact shape varies depending on the species. Some do better with pruning than others. Green Velvet boxwood (B. "Green Velvet"), a cross between the American and Korean boxwood, has a low-growth pattern, usually no more than 3 feet in height with a shape that is generally round. Harland boxwood (B. harlandii) is a relatively square-shaped variety that grows as tall as 6 feet and is usually used as hedging in the garden. Other varieties are pyramidal in shape, mounded or columnar.

    Leaves

    • Boxwood leaves are generally deep green with a leathery texture. Leaves are opposite, comprised of two structures, one on each side of the stem. Their shapes are between fully rounded and lanceolate or spear shaped. Most species have leaves between ½ inch and 2 inches in length up to 1 inch wide. An added bonus of the boxwood is their deer-resistant nature. The leaves produce an alkaloid that is unappealing, sometimes toxic, if ingested by deer, which means they are seldom foraged.

    Growing Conditions

    • Boxwoods thrive in a variety of soil and weather conditions, making them ideal for most areas of the United States. They are mostly cold intolerant and do best when planted in zone 5 and higher. The soil should be nutrient rich with a pH ranging between alkaline and slightly acidic, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. Additionally, soil should be lightweight and well draining. If too compacted, roots become damaged and unable to transport water and nutrients. All boxwood species prefer areas with partial to full sun and withstand drought better than too much moisture. For areas with extremely cold winter weather, some species are better than others.

Previous:

Next:

Shrubs
  1. What Does a Jacob's Ladder Plant Look Like?
  2. What Do Bougainvillea Look Like?
  3. What Does a Fungus Attack on a Grapevine Look Like?
  4. What Do Strawberry Leaves Look Like?
  5. What Does an Overwatered Avocado Tree Look Like?
  6. What Does Fungus on Grass Look Like?
  7. What Does a Salvia Flower Look Like?
  8. What Does a Nopal Cactus Look Like?
  9. What Does a Hyssop Herb Plant Look Like?
  10. What Does Burdock Look Like?
  11. What Does a Black Orchid Look Like?
  12. What Does a Blue Point Juniper Look Like?

Home Garden © https://www.98905.com