Buxus (Boxwood)

Main Types of Boxwood

There are several varieties of boxwood (Buxus) that are popular for their different attributes. Some of the main types include:

Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): Known for its dense, dark green foliage and ability to withstand heavy pruning, this variety is perfect for hedges or topiary. It can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall if not trimmed.

Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica): A hardy variety that’s more heat and drought resistant than common boxwood, Japanese boxwood has bright green leaves and tends to grow faster. It also withstands heavy pruning and can be used for topiary or hedging.

Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis): Tolerant of cold climates, this is a popular choice for Northern gardeners. It is often used for low hedges or edging.

Dwarf English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’): Ideal for smaller spaces or for use as a border plant, this dwarf variety maintains a small size and dense growth habit.

‘Green Velvet’ Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’): This hybrid between common and Korean boxwood is particularly popular for its round shape and winter hardiness. It grows to about 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) tall and wide.

‘Green Mountain’ Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’): Another hybrid, this variety grows in a pyramidal shape and is a great choice for accent or specimen plants.

Remember, the suitability of a type of boxwood for your garden depends on your local climate and the specific needs of your landscape design. Always consider factors like sunlight, soil, and water requirements when choosing a plant.

Why Should I Grow Boxwood?

Boxwood shrubs are an excellent choice for several reasons:

Versatility: Boxwoods are one of the most versatile shrubs. They can be used in a variety of garden designs, including formal gardens, contemporary gardens, cottage gardens, and even rock gardens. Their small, dense leaves make them perfect for hedging and topiary work.

Evergreen: As an evergreen, boxwoods provide year-round color and interest in your garden. This can be particularly valuable in climates where many other plants lose their leaves in the winter.

Low-Maintenance: Once established, boxwoods require relatively little care. They can tolerate a range of soil conditions and partial shade. They also require minimal watering once established.

Size Variety: With a range from dwarf to large varieties, there’s a boxwood suitable for nearly any space.

Deer Resistant: If you live in an area where deer are a problem, boxwoods can be a good choice, as deer generally do not prefer them.

Pruning and Shaping: One of the main attractions of boxwood is that it takes well to heavy pruning. This means it can be shaped into intricate topiaries, kept tidy as a hedge, or allowed to grow into its natural form.

Remember, like any plant, boxwoods have their challenges, including susceptibility to certain diseases and pests. However, with proper care and preventative measures, they can be a beautiful, long-lasting addition to your landscape.

Garden Design with Boxwood

Designing a garden with boxwood can add a touch of elegance and structure to your landscape. Here are a few ways to incorporate these evergreen shrubs into your garden design:

Hedges and Borders: Boxwoods are popularly used as hedges due to their dense foliage and ability to be pruned into precise shapes. They’re perfect for creating formal garden borders and pathways or dividing different garden sections.

Topiaries: If you’re feeling more creative, boxwoods are excellent for topiary work. They can be pruned into a variety of shapes, including spheres, squares, cones, or even more complex figures like spirals.

Foundation Plantings: Boxwoods can be used as foundation plantings to help soften the transition between the house and the garden. Their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.

Container Planting: Smaller varieties do well in containers. This can be a great way to add greenery to patios, balconies, or other hard surfaces.

Knot Gardens: If you’re looking for a traditional or formal garden design, consider creating a knot garden with boxwoods. The intricate patterns can be a fascinating focal point.

Mixed Borders: Boxwoods can be mixed with flowering perennials or bulbs for visual interest. Their consistent green color and structure provide a great backdrop for more colorful plants.

Remember that boxwoods do best in well-draining soil and prefer areas with partial to full sun. They also need adequate airflow to prevent disease, so be sure not to plant them too closely together.

Companion Plants

Boxwood is a versatile shrub that pairs well with a variety of plants. Some effective companions for boxwood include:

Lavender (Lavandula): This plant is well-loved for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. It’s drought-tolerant and prefers sunny, well-drained locations.

Salvia (Salvia): Known for their spiky flower clusters and aromatic foliage, Salvia plants are both ornamental and culinary herbs. They attract pollinators and resist pests.

Geranium (Geranium): Geraniums are flowering plants that offer a range of colors and prefer sunny spots. They are low-maintenance and provide a long-lasting bloom.

Sedum (Sedum): These are succulent plants known for their hardiness and drought tolerance. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flower colors.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea): Known for their large, showy flower heads that come in a variety of colors, Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that prefer partial shade and well-draining soil.

Heuchera (Heuchera): Also known as coral bells, Heuchera plants boast vibrant, scalloped foliage and tall, bell-shaped flowers. They do well in both sun and shade.

Hosta (Hosta): An ideal shade plant, Hostas are known for their attractive foliage which comes in a range of colors and patterns.

Astilbe (Astilbe): With their feathery, plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage, Astilbes are great for adding texture and color to shady spots in the garden.

Hakone grass (Hakonechloa): A shade-tolerant ornamental grass, its bright, cascading blades add movement and softness to the garden.

Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum): This plant is admired for its silver and burgundy variegated fronds. It thrives in shade and adds a pop of color to darker areas of the garden.

Dianthus (Dianthus): These flowers are known for their spicy fragrance, serrated petals and bloom in a variety of colors from spring to fall.

Allium (Allium): Alliums are bulbous plants producing spherical flower heads atop tall stems. They are deer-resistant and attract pollinators.

Nepeta (Nepeta): Also known as catmint, Nepeta is a prolific bloomer with spiky clusters of lavender-blue flowers. It’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.

Echinacea (Echinacea): Known for their large, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties, Echinacea plants are hardy, drought-tolerant, and attract pollinators.

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): These are small, slow-growing trees known for their beautiful leaf shapes and vibrant fall color.

Spirea (Spiraea): Spirea shrubs produce clusters of tiny flowers and have attractive fall foliage. They are easy to care for and come in many varieties.

Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus): These tall, arching grasses add height, texture, and movement to the garden. They are also known for their spectacular fall color.

Daylily (Hemerocallis): Daylilies are rugged, adaptable, vigorous perennials that endure in a garden for many years with little or no care.

When choosing companion plants, consider their light and water requirements to make sure they’re compatible with those of boxwood. Always leave enough space between plants to allow for growth and to ensure good air circulation.

Growing Tips

Growing boxwood (Buxus) is relatively straightforward as these plants are hardy and adaptable, but here are some steps to guide you:

Choose the Right Location: Boxwoods prefer a location with partial to full sun, but they can also tolerate shade. While full shade is tolerated, the plant will not be as vigorous, and its foliage not be as dense. Full sun exposition might scorch the foliage of some cultivars. Ensure your selected location has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Planting: Boxwood can be planted in spring or fall. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.

Watering: This shrub needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering as this can lead to root diseases.

Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring before the onset of new growth, and again in fall. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Pruning: Boxwoods respond well to pruning and can be shaped as desired. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, but light pruning can be done at any time of the year.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pest and Disease Control: Boxwoods can be susceptible to certain pests like boxwood leafminers, boxwood psyllids, and mites, as well as diseases such as boxwood blight. Monitor your plants regularly and treat at the first sign of trouble.

Winter: Provide protection against dry winter winds or full winter sun to prevent their foliage to turn bronze

Remember, different species of boxwood may have slightly different care requirements, so always refer to the specific care instructions for the variety you have chosen.