Product Description:
If you’re looking for a plant that’s terrific for topiaries, great for hedges, and even attractive when left untrimmed, the boxwood shrub is perfect for you. A long-time favorite of Southern gardeners, boxwoods have been grown in the States for centuries. They also produce tiny fruits that contain small seeds. While these are attractive to birds, they aren’t a major draw for most gardeners. Boxwood plants (Buxus) are dense, evergreen shrubs often planted in elegant and formal landscapes. It often grows to a mature height of 10 to 15 feet, depending on the species and cultivar.
Soil:
Boxwood shrubs require well-drained soils.
Water:
Water thoroughly and frequently if you receive less than one inch of rainfall per week.
Light:
Boxwoods will take full sun to partial shade, but planting them in an area bathed in dappled shade for the hottest part of the afternoon is preferable.
Fertilize:
Organic, all-purpose fertilizer should be applied to the soil around your tree during the spring to supply new growth with plenty of nutrients.
Temperature and Humidity:
Boxwoods typically thrive in the climate conditions in zones 6 to 8. In very hot summer weather, the shrubs will appreciate more water and shade. Zone 5 gardeners may find that stem tips die back in cold weather.
Pruning:
Only occasional pruning is required to clean out dead branches or those that are twisted together. When pruning hard for shape, the trimming can be done almost any time during the growing season, though it should be avoided in late fall to avoid winter bronzing.
Propagating Boxwood Shrubs:
- With clean pruning shears, cut 3- to 4-inch lengths of stem tips from new growth.
- Bury the ends of the cuttings in a pot filled with a mixture of sand, peat moss, and vermiculite. Place the pot in a sealed plastic bag, and set it in a bright location.
- Check the moisture daily, and mist whenever the cutting is dry.
- When the roots are sufficiently developed, remove the pot from the plastic bag and transplant the cutting into another container filled with a rich potting mix.
- Continue to grow the plant in a sunny window until outdoor planting time the following spring.
