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Boxwood

Scientific Name​

Buxus

Description​

Boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees primarily valued for their dense foliage and versatility in landscape design. Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, boxwoods are commonly used in formal gardens and hedges, thanks to their ability to be shaped and pruned into precise shapes.

Boxwood leaves are typically small, oval-shaped, and have a glossy, dark green appearance, which can brighten up any garden throughout the year. They can grow in various forms, including upright shrubs, low ground covers, and even as standards (tree forms). Boxwoods are relatively slow-growing and can reach heights ranging from 1 to 20 feet, depending on the species and variety. Popular cultivars include English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla), and Chinese Boxwood (Buxus sinica).

These plants thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial to full sunlight. While they can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, boxwoods are prone to certain pests and diseases, such as boxwood blight and the boxwood leafminer. Regular maintenance involves pruning to maintain desired shapes and reduce the risk of disease due to increased air circulation.

Boxwoods are excellent for creating structured elements in gardens, making them a favorite among landscapers. However, gardeners should be mindful of their susceptibility to cold temperatures and ensure proper care during harsh winters. With the right attention, boxwoods can add elegance and durability to any garden setting.

Where it Grows​

When to Plant​

When to Plant Boxwood​

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage and ability to be shaped easily. If you're considering planting boxwood in your garden, selecting the right time is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and establishment.

Optimal Planting Time​

The best time to plant boxwood is during the early spring or early fall. These seasons provide mild temperatures, ample moisture, and allow the plant to establish roots before facing the stress of extreme weather conditions.

  • Spring Planting: Aim for planting after the last frost date in your region, as this will give the boxwood a chance to establish itself before the heat of summer arrives.

  • Fall Planting: Late summer to early fall (typically September to October) is also a favorable time. The soil remains warm, promoting root growth, while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plant.

Considerations Before Planting​

  1. Soil Conditions: Ensure that the soil is well-drained and fertile. Amending the soil with compost can provide additional nutrients.

  2. Climate Zone: Boxwood thrives best in USDA Zones 5 to 9, depending on the specific variety. Assess your local climate to determine the most suitable type of boxwood for your garden.

  3. Watering: After planting, regularly water your boxwood to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells in the weeks following transplantation.

  4. Sunlight Exposure: While boxwoods can tolerate partial shade, they grow best with at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Select a location that meets this requirement to ensure robust growth.

In summary, carefully timing your planting, understanding your local climate, and providing suitable soil conditions will help your boxwood thrive. With proper care, these versatile shrubs will enhance your garden for many years to come.

How to Plant​

Planting Boxwood: A Step-by-Step Guide

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its versatility and ability to be shaped into hedges or topiaries. To ensure a successful planting, consider the following steps:

  1. Choosing the Right Location: Boxwoods thrive in well-drained soil and prefer partial to full sun. They can tolerate shade, but their growth may be slower, and their foliage might not be as lush.

  2. Preparing the Soil: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to enhance drainage and nutrient availability. This is especially important in heavy clay soils.

  3. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than its height. This encourages lateral root growth and aids drainage.

  4. Planting: Gently remove the boxwood from its container. Place it in the center of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.

  5. Watering: Water thoroughly right after planting. Continue to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the first year.

  6. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the plant's stem.

By following these steps, your boxwood should establish well and thrive in your garden.

Watering​

Watering Boxwood (Buxus spp.) effectively is crucial for their health and vitality. The best strategy involves establishing a consistent schedule, particularly during the growing season. New transplants require more frequent watering, ideally 1-2 inches per week. When watering, soak the root zone deeply rather than frequent shallow watering, as this encourages deep root growth.

To determine when to water, check the soil moisture; stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Morning is the best time to water, minimizing evaporation and reducing disease risk. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are excellent options for ensuring even moisture distribution. During extremely hot or dry spells, monitor your Boxwood closely, as they can be more susceptible to drought stress. Mulching around the base can also help retain moisture and insulate roots.

Pruning​

Pruning Boxwood (Buxus) effectively requires careful timing and technique to ensure healthy growth and maintain its attractive shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This timing encourages fresh foliage and minimizes stress on the plant.

Begin by using clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the wood. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, shape the plant by trimming back overgrown areas evenly, maintaining a natural form. Avoid cutting into old wood, as Boxwoods may not regrow from this.

For a formal hedge or topiary shape, prune selectively to create sharp lines while allowing light to penetrate the interior, which promotes overall health. Regular light pruning throughout the growing season can also help maintain size and shape without stressing the plant. Always ensure to clean up debris to prevent pest issues.

Weeding​

Weeding around Boxwood (Buxus spp.) requires careful attention to protect this popular evergreen shrub. The best strategy involves several key steps. First, ensure you’re weeding regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Using a hand trowel or weeding tool, gently remove weeds by the roots to avoid disturbing the Boxwood’s root system.

Timing is essential; weed during early morning or late afternoon when the soil is moist, making it easier to remove weeds with their roots intact. Mulching around the Boxwood can also help suppress weed growth while retaining moisture. Organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, is preferable as it adds nutrients over time.

Finally, consider using a targeted, non-selective herbicide for persistent weeds, ensuring to shield the Boxwood with cardboard or plastic to prevent accidental contact. Always follow label instructions for safety and efficacy. Regular maintenance will keep your Boxwood healthy and weed-free.

Mulching​

Mulching around Boxwood plants is a beneficial strategy to enhance their health and appearance. Start by selecting an organic mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips, straw, or pine needles, ensuring it is free from pesticides and herbicides. Apply a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches thick, being careful to keep it away from the stem; this prevents rot and pests. The ideal diameter for the mulch ring should extend at least to the edge of the plant’s foliage, allowing for moisture retention and temperature regulation.

Timing is important; apply mulch in early spring or fall when the soil is moist, which helps the plants conserve water and reduce weed growth. Regularly check the mulch level, replenishing as necessary to maintain thickness. Remember to monitor the moisture content of the soil beneath the mulch, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues. This strategy fosters a thriving environment for your Boxwoods.

Fertilizing​

Fertilizing Boxwood plants effectively requires a strategic approach to ensure healthy growth and lush foliage. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, just before new growth begins, and again in late spring. This timing supports active growth phases. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), such as a 10-10-10 formula, is ideal.

Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stems to prevent burn. Water well after application to help the nutrients penetrate the soil. It's essential not to over-fertilize; doing so can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of root health. Testing soil pH can also be beneficial, as Boxwoods prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6-7) for optimal nutrient uptake. Maintaining a mulched layer helps conserve moisture and adds organic matter over time.

Varieties​

Common Varieties of Boxwood (Buxus)​

Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage, versatility in landscaping, and ability to withstand pruning. There are several varieties of Boxwood, each with distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different gardening needs. Below is a list of some of the most common varieties:

1. Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood)​

  • Description: This is the most widely recognized Boxwood species, characterized by its smooth, dark green leaves and rounded growth habit. Common Boxwoods can grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall if left unpruned, making them ideal for larger landscapes.
  • Uses: Often used for hedges, topiary, and formal garden designs.

2. Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)​

  • Description: Known for its smaller, more compact leaves, Littleleaf Boxwood typically grows 3 to 6 feet in height. It is more tolerant of various soil types and has a rounded, bushy form.
  • Uses: Excellent for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings.

3. Buxus 'Green Velvet'​

  • Description: This hybrid variety features a dense, rounded shape with rich green foliage. It is known for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and is relatively low maintenance.
  • Uses: Ideal for low hedges, borders, and as an accent plant.

4. Buxus 'Glencoe'​

  • Description: A compact variety with glossy leaves that retain their rich green color year-round. It typically reaches about 3 feet in height and is slow-growing.
  • Uses: Perfect for small gardens, container planting, or as an accent in mixed borders.

5. Buxus 'Winter Gem'​

  • Description: This variety is known for its hardiness and ability to maintain its color and structure during winter months. It is a slow-growing shrub that reaches about 2 to 3 feet tall.
  • Uses: Suitable for low hedges, foundation plantings, and occasional topiary.

6. Buxus 'Suffruticosa' (Dwarf Boxwood)​

  • Description: A dwarf form that grows only 1 to 2 feet tall. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens or container use.
  • Uses: Often used for edging, in rock gardens, or as part of a container arrangement.

7. Buxus 'Ball' (Ball Boxwood)​

  • Description: This variety is cultivated to maintain a perfect spherical shape, making it a popular choice for formal gardens and container arrangements.
  • Uses: Frequently used in landscaped designs for a polished, manicured look.

Planting and Care Considerations​

When selecting a Boxwood variety for your garden, consider factors such as the desired height, width, growth rate, and suitability for your particular climate and soil conditions. Boxwoods prefer well-draining soil and thrive in partial to full shade, although some varieties may tolerate full sun. Regular pruning will help maintain their shape and encourage dense foliage. Be mindful of potential diseases like boxwood blight and ensure proper air circulation around the plants.

In summary, understanding the different varieties of Boxwood can help you choose the best fit for your gardening project, enhancing the beauty and design of your landscape. Whether you aim for low hedges, topiaries, or statement pieces, there is a Boxwood variety to meet your needs.

Health Benefits​

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is primarily known for its use in landscaping and ornamental gardening, but it does have some lesser-known applications in health and wellness. Historically, boxwood has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in regions such as Asia and Europe. The leaves contain compounds that have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

In herbal medicine, boxwood has been employed to treat ailments like headaches and fevers, although these practices are not widely adopted nor scientifically validated in modern medicine. Moreover, the wood of the boxwood tree is dense and fine-grained, making it suitable for crafting tools like combs and dental items, which indirectly supports oral health through hygienic practices.

Boxwood's aromatic foliage is sometimes associated with relaxation and mood enhancement, making it a popular choice for inclusion in therapeutic gardens. These gardens aim to promote emotional well-being and offer stress relief through interaction with nature. While boxwood is not a primary medicinal plant, its presence in gardens contributes to overall wellness by fostering environments that encourage tranquility and outdoor enjoyment, which are beneficial for mental health.

Fun Facts​

Fun Facts About Boxwood​

  • Longevity: Boxwood plants can live for a remarkably long time, often exceeding 100 years, which makes them a favorite choice for historic gardens and landscapes.

  • Versatile Growth Habit: Boxwoods can be shaped and pruned into a variety of forms, including hedges, topiaries, and more formal garden designs, allowing for creative expression in garden planning.

  • Diverse Species: There are about 70 species of boxwood, with the most popular for landscaping being Buxus sempervirens (common boxwood) and Buxus microphylla, each offering different leaf textures and growth habits.

  • Dense Foliage: The evergreen foliage of boxwoods provides year-round color and structure in gardens, making them ideal for creating dense privacy screens or windbreaks.

  • Resistant to Browsing: Boxwoods are relatively unappealing to many pests and animals, which means they are less likely to be nibbled on by deer or rabbits compared to other garden plants.