If properly planted, they can offer a low maintenance source of lush green beauty in the landscape.
Boxwoods are also commonly used for winter holiday decorating, indoors and out.
Understanding Boxwoods
The boxwood shrub is native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
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Boxwood was first introduced in North America in 1653.
These shrubs are somewhat slow-growing, with firm, thick leaves that are on the small side.
Most boxwoods range in color from yellow-green to dark green, and usually don’t have blue-green tones.
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Where to Plant Boxwoods
It’s important to select agood location for boxwoods.
They need at least five to six hours of full sun per day, and soil with good drainage.
One complaint gardeners sometimes have with boxwoods is that some leaves or sections turn yellow or become discolored.
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For this reason, planting larger boxwoods next to your house is not the best idea for foundation planting.
Smaller boxwoods will be less vulnerable to this issue.
Before Getting Started
Before purchasing your boxwood shrubs, determine your needs and preferences.
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Do you want small, rounded shrubs that will need a minimum of pruning?
Do you want to use boxwoods to plant a hedge?
If so, get small ones and plant them about a foot apart.
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Do you want larger boxwoods to serve as foundation or specimen plants?
Dig the Hole
Dig a hole that allows an extra 6 inches minimum in circumference and depth.
Prepare the Hole
Add some water to the hole first, filling it about 1/4 full.
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Then add a few inches of planting medium (your soil, manure, and peat moss mixture).
Water again from the top.
Give it a good soak but don’t water too much.
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It’s best to only grow smaller-sized boxwoods in containers.
Keep them watered regularly, as container plantings dry out faster than beds.
Maintaining your Boxwoods
Boxwoods are very low maintenance unless they are hedges that need occasionaltrimming.
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If you notice dead or discolored leaves, gently prune off those branches.
Keep them watered in droughts.
Your boxwoods, properly cared for once planted, should last many years.
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Saving American Gardens from Boxwood Blight.
The Journal of the American Boxwood Society.
