Boxwood has been described as "Man's Oldest Garden Ornament". It was introduced to North America from Europe in the 17th century and has been an important part of many American gardens ever since. This elegant and long-lived evergreen shrub with its small leaves and fine texture has many different uses in the landscape. It is commonly used in formal hedges, as an edging plant, in foundation plantings, and even as an impressive accent plant. Boxwoods are also one of the best shrubs for use in creating magnificent topiaries.
Although there are more than 150 different boxwood cultivars, two types, American Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens and English boxwood, Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa', are the most commonly grown boxwood in American gardens. English boxwood is considered the "true edging" boxwood and this low-growing form is often used in more formal landscape designs. Buxus sempervirens also includes many of the taller cultivars that are seen around many older homes, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. Newer cultivars have been selected for a variety of different growth forms and also for increased winter hardiness. Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf boxwood) is a lower growing species that includes the very slow growing Japanese boxwood which grows from 3 to 6 feet tall. This species also includes the smallest cultivar, 'Compacta' which grows only to about 12" tall!
Boxwood is considered a fairly low-maintenance shrub. Most cultivars prefer full sun or part shade, however, in colder regions, they perform better if they are planted in a less exposed area where they are protected from winter winds and full sun exposure. Spraying with an anti-desiccant like Bonide Wilt Stop in the late fall and again in mid-winter can help prevent winter burn and sun scald.
Well-drained soil is essential to avoid problems with root rot. If you are planting in heavy clay soil, add gypsum or Espoma Soil Perfector and good organic matter to improve drainage. Be very careful if you have an automatic sprinkling system as this often keeps the soil too wet for boxwood.
At planting time, amend the soil with an organic fertilizer like Espoma Plant-tone or Holly-tone, rock phosphate, and Espoma Greensand according to the Viette recommendations. After the first year, fertilize with Plant-tone or Holly-tone in the early spring and again in the fall. Avoid fertilizing with chemical or quick release fertilizers late in the summer or fall as this can lead to a burst of tender new growth that will be subject to winter injury
blog entry by Carol Reese, CMG
photo by Allen Owings, LSUagcenter.com, Boxwood homepage photo by Garden Delights Online Plant Nursery