Boxwood Shrubs 101: Everything You Need to Know About Growing & Caring for Them
Image by Cyril CRAUSAZ from Pixabay
Boxwood shrubs are known for their dense, evergreen foliage and adaptability. They can be shaped into elegant hedges, intricate topiaries, or used as standalone accents in your garden. Whether you’re looking to create a formal landscape or add a touch of greenery to your yard, boxwood shrubs are a reliable and attractive choice.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your green thumb journey, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about growing and caring for boxwood shrubs. Let’s dive in!
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Gauld Nurseries: Here to Help You Succeed with Your Boxwood Shrubs
Gauld Nurseries offers top-quality gardening supplies and expert advice to ensure your boxwood shrubs flourish.
Boxwood shrubs are a timeless choice for gardens and landscapes, and with the right support, growing them can be a breeze. Gauld Nurseries is here to help you succeed, offering top-quality gardening supplies and expert advice to ensure your boxwood shrubs flourish. From enriched soils and specialized fertilizers to the tools you need for planting and maintenance, they have everything to set you up for success.
Starting fresh with boxwoods?
Gauld Nurseries provides a variety of healthy, well-established boxwood shrubs, perfect for creating a strong foundation for your garden or landscaping project.
Need guidance?
Their team of experts is ready to assist with selecting the best planting spots, offering climate-specific care tips, and sharing expert advice on maintaining the vibrancy and health of your shrubs year-round.
Transform Your Landscape with Boxwoods and Gauld Nurseries
Gauld has a vast selection of high-quality plants to bring your landscaping project to life.
Whether you’re planning a complete garden transformation or enhancing your existing space, Gauld Nurseries offers professional landscaping services tailored to your style, budget, and goals. From classic boxwood hedges and neat garden borders to elegant focal points, their team will work with you to craft a design that highlights the beauty and versatility of boxwoods.
Trust Gauld Nurseries to bring your vision to life with their expertise, high-quality plants, and dependable support. Make your boxwood shrubs and landscaping project thrive with their help!
1. What Are the Different Types of Boxwood Shrubs?
Each type of boxwood offers unique benefits. - Image by Dirk (Beeki®) Schumacher from Pixabay
Boxwood shrubs come in various types, each with unique characteristics and ideal uses in landscaping. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
English Boxwood
English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) is a slow-growing, compact variety known for its rounded shape and dense foliage. It’s ideal for low borders, edging, and intricate topiary designs. English boxwoods thrive in formal gardens or spaces that require precise, maintained shapes.
American Boxwood
American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is a larger, faster-growing species that can reach heights of up to 15 feet, though it’s typically kept much shorter in landscaping. Its upright growth and hardiness make it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, or larger garden accents.
Japanese Boxwood
Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) is a heat-tolerant and versatile variety that can thrive in warmer climates. It features slightly larger leaves and a more open growth habit. This variety works well for hedges, borders, or as foundation plantings.
Korean Boxwood
Korean boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis) is particularly cold-hardy, making it an excellent option for colder regions. It’s compact, with a natural rounded shape, and is ideal for low hedges or accent plantings.
Each type of boxwood offers unique benefits, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every garden or landscape design.
2. Where Do Boxwoods Grow Best?
Ideal Growing Conditions
Boxwoods thrive in well-drained soil with a pH level that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. They prefer partial to full sun, though they appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates to avoid stress or leaf scorch. Boxwoods are versatile, but they grow best in sheltered locations where they’re protected from harsh winds and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Boxwoods in the Niagara Region
Boxwoods are an excellent choice for planting in the Niagara region and other parts of Ontario. The region's moderate climate, with relatively mild winters compared to northern Ontario, supports healthy growth for many boxwood varieties.
However, winter protection, such as mulching around the roots and using burlap screens, is advisable to shield them from winter burns caused by cold winds and fluctuating temperatures.
Ontario's Climate Considerations
In most parts of Ontario, boxwoods perform well when planted in locations that provide sufficient sunlight and good drainage. For colder areas in the province, hardy varieties like Korean boxwood are ideal due to their resilience to freezing temperatures.
Proper care, such as ensuring adequate moisture before winter and avoiding overexposure to direct sun during summer, will help boxwoods thrive across Ontario.
With proper placement and care, boxwoods can be a stunning and practical addition to Ontario gardens and landscapes.
3. How to Plant Boxwood Shrubs
a) Choose the Right Location
Watch the above video to see how to plant boxwood shrubs.
Start by selecting a location that offers partial to full sun with well-drained soil. Boxwoods prefer a spot sheltered from harsh winds and extreme temperatures, as these can stress the plant. Consider how much space your variety needs to grow, leaving adequate room between shrubs for air circulation.
b) Prepare the Soil
Boxwoods thrive in soil that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Test the soil pH and adjust it if necessary using lime or sulfur. Loosen the soil in the planting area to improve drainage and mix in organic matter, such as compost, to enrich the soil.
c) Dig the Planting Hole
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. This allows the roots to spread easily without being planted too deeply, which can harm the shrub.
d) Position the Shrub
Carefully remove the boxwood from its container and loosen the roots gently. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the ground.
e) Backfill and Water
Fill in the hole with the excavated soil, patting it down gently to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle and provide initial moisture to the roots.
f) Mulch and Maintain
Add a layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulates temperature. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots.
With proper planting, your boxwoods will thrive and become a stunning addition to your landscape.
4. When Should You Plant Boxwood Shrubs?
Best Planting Seasons
The ideal time to plant boxwood shrubs is during the cooler seasons, specifically spring or early fall. These times allow the shrub’s roots to establish themselves in the soil before the stress of summer heat or freezing winter temperatures.
Planting in the Niagara Region
In the Niagara region, planting boxwoods in early spring is optimal, as the moderate spring temperatures and consistent rainfall help new shrubs establish strong roots. Early fall is also a good option, as the soil is still warm from summer, and cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the plants. Be sure to plant at least six weeks before the first frost to give the roots time to settle.
Planting in Other Parts of Ontario
Most regions of Ontario, follow the same guidelines as the Niagara region. However, in northern parts of the province where winters are harsher, spring planting is strongly recommended. This gives the shrubs a full growing season to develop a resilient root system before facing freezing temperatures.
Planting in Other Parts of Canada
In milder coastal regions, such as parts of British Columbia, boxwoods can be planted almost year-round, excluding the coldest winter months. In colder Prairie provinces, spring planting is the safest choice due to shorter growing seasons and harsher winters.
By choosing the right planting time for your region, you’ll set your boxwoods up for long-term success.
5. How Do You Care for Boxwood Shrubs?
Watering and Mulching
Water your boxwood shrubs deeply once a week during their first year. - Image by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay
Boxwoods require consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods or drought, increase watering frequency.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilize boxwoods in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can cause stress and reduce the plant’s natural resilience. If the shrub shows signs of yellowing leaves, a soil test can help determine if nutrient deficiencies need correction.
Disease and Pest Control
Boxwoods are prone to diseases like root rot and boxwood blight. To prevent these, ensure proper air circulation by spacing shrubs appropriately and avoiding overhead watering. Inspect plants regularly for pests like boxwood leafminers, mites, or scale insects. Treat infestations promptly with horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or professional pest control if necessary.
Pruning and Maintenance
Light pruning in late spring or early summer encourages healthy growth and maintains shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches to reduce disease risk. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as new growth may be damaged by winter cold.
By following these care practices, your boxwood shrubs will remain healthy, vibrant, and an enduring feature in your landscape.
6. How to Prune and Shape Boxwood Shrubs
Choose the Right Time to Prune
Learn how to prune and shape your boxwood shrubs.
The best time to prune boxwood shrubs is in late spring or early summer after new growth has started but before it becomes too woody. Avoid pruning in late fall, as it can leave new growth vulnerable to winter damage. Light pruning can also be done in the winter to remove any dead or damaged branches.
Gather the Right Tools
To prune boxwoods effectively, use clean, sharp tools to prevent injury to the plant and reduce the risk of disease. Bypass pruning shears work well for small branches, while larger, electric hedge trimmers are ideal for shaping and trimming larger boxwoods. Always disinfect your tools between uses to avoid transferring diseases.
Pruning Steps
Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, trim any overly long or straggly branches to maintain the desired shape. For formal shapes like hedges or topiaries, use the trimmers to create clean, even lines. For a more natural look, prune sparingly, allowing the shrub to retain its natural, rounded form.
Shaping Ideas
Boxwoods are highly versatile and can be shaped into various forms. Popular shapes include:
Neat rectangular hedges
Rounded balls
Conical pyramids
They also work well in more creative designs, like spirals or small topiaries. Regular maintenance is key to keeping boxwoods looking their best and retaining their desired shape.
With the right approach, your boxwood shrubs will stay well-shaped and healthy, enhancing the beauty of your landscape.
7. How Quickly Do Boxwoods Grow?
Growth Rate of Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwoods are generally slow-growing shrubs, with most varieties adding only 4 to 6 inches of growth per year. However, growth rates can vary depending on the variety, climate, and growing conditions. For example, the American boxwood tends to grow faster than the more compact English or Japanese boxwoods, which are typically slower to reach their full size.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
Several factors can influence the growth rate of boxwoods. Soil quality is crucial—well-drained, fertile soil promotes faster growth. If the soil is poor or compacted, the shrub’s growth may be stunted. Watering and fertilizing also play significant roles; boxwoods in consistently moist, nutrient-rich soil grow more vigorously.
Climate and Temperature
Climate is another key factor. Boxwoods tend to grow faster in mild climates with moderate rainfall, such as the Niagara region. In colder climates, growth may slow down during the winter months, and in hot, dry conditions, the plant may experience stress that slows growth.
Maintenance and Pruning
Regular pruning and proper care can also impact growth. While pruning helps shape the shrub, over-pruning can hinder growth. Fertilizing at the right times and ensuring the shrub isn’t stressed will encourage healthy, steady growth.
In summary, boxwoods are slow growers, but with proper care, they can develop into beautiful, dense shrubs over time.
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