Shrubs with versatility and sculptural qualities.
Boxwoods are shrubs with small, dense, evergreen leaves that have a versatile and sculptural quality.
Once established, boxwoods are relatively low maintenance.
Credit: Roger Foley
However, boxwoods are toxic to people and pets despite being easy to maintain.
Plant Attributes
Boxwood Care
Plant boxwoods in well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter.
Loamy soil or sandy conditions is best.
Most boxwoods prefer some shade, but some varieties handle full sun exposure better than others.
Protect boxwoods from strong winds because it has shallow roots.
Fertilizing is seldom necessary, but water weekly during the first year of establishment.
Mulching can protect the shallow roots from extreme heat, and heavy rainfall will require less watering.
In full sun areas, plant boxwoods under foliage for filtered light and protection.
Soil
Soil pop in is less critical than well-draining soil.
A sandy or loamy consistency is preferable for many boxwoods.
Don’t allow boxwoods to sit in soggy water because it will lead to rot and disease.
Container plants should contain plenty of drainage holes.
Soil pH can range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, somewhere between 6.8 and 7.5.
Use your hands to feel the top few inches of soil to know if it is time to water.
After establishing, boxwoods need water about once every two to four weeks.
Temperature and Humidity
Ideal temperature conditions are between 60F and 80F for boxwoods.
These plants die back during the winter but are relatively tolerable to cold and high temperatures.
Growing boxwoods in containers help to introduce more gradual changes in climates with large temperature fluctuations.
These plants remain green throughout the winter and are versatile throughout the year.
Fertilizer
Fertilizers with a high nitrogen content are best for boxwoods.
Because of the shallow roots, use a diluted or water-based fertilizer, so they do not burn.
Types of Boxwoods
Depending on yourlandscape and climate, several boxwood varieties are available.
Here are some varieties to know:
Pruning
Prune boxwood plants to encourage a desired shape.
This plant has a relatively slow growth rate, so achieving the preferred results can take many years.
Cut above the tips of a healthy, green leaf during the spring to ensure new growth.
In addition to its shape, prune boxwoods by removing dead or twisted branches and thinning out the foliage.
After a few years of shaping boxwood plants, very little pruning maintenance is necessary.
Move the container into the refrigerator for at least two months for seed stratificationMaintain moist soil throughout this time.
After the seeds begin to sprout, transplant them into new containers to allow the roots to expand.
Add organic mulch to the containers and maintain moist soil.
Cover the containers with a plastic bag and place them in a sunny location.
Plant new boxwoods at least two feet apart.
Add gravel or some other material to assist with drainage.
When transplanting boxwood plants, loosen the root ball by gently squeezing the container and lifting it without damage.
Use your hands to separate the roots if necessary.
Gently pack the soil around the root ball and maintain moist soil.
Add an organic mulch to the soil to help regulate moisture and drainage.
Overwintering
Mature boxwoods do not require much winter care, but new growth is susceptible to damage.
Protect plants from winter burn by wrapping plants in burlap after the first frost.
Keep the burlap loose to allow airflow.
Before the first frost, remove damaged, diseased, or weak branches with a sterile pruning shear.
Look out for black or dark brown streaks on the stems or rapid loss of leaves.
Common boxwoods (Buxus sempervirens) are more susceptible, like the English boxwood.
More resistant kinds are available.
Some pests that impact boxwoods include nematodes, leafminers, and spidermites.
Control pests with insecticides and provide proper care.
Common Problems With Boxwoods
Boxwoods are relatively hardy plants that are easily maintained.
Boxwood decline, starting with foliage discoloration, will eventually cause the plant to die back.
This issue begins with a single branch and spreads over days or weeks.
Some stressors include new exposure to sunlight, severe drought, or lack of soil nutrients.
Old age and pests can also cause boxwood decline.
Leaves Turning Black/Brown
Boxwoods experiencing freezing weather can cause cold injuries in these plants.
Cold injury presents as damaged bark orbronzing or browning foliage.
If left untreated, the cold injury can kill a boxwood plant.
North Carolina State Extension.Buxus.
