boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Edgar Anderson'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Greenwood Cuttings,Grafting Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 8
Flowers:
Greenish-cream Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Deep shade, Filtered shade, Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Alkaline, Well-drained
Fruits:
green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Edgar Anderson') should be watered thoroughly twice a week. For each watering, aim to moisten the entire root ball down to a depth of 8-12 inches. An even balance of water and air in the soil is key, as boxwoods may become distressed from over- or under-watering. To check soil moisture, use your finger to feel the top 2 inches of soil; if it is dry, it's time to water. During hot summer months, give your boxwood an extra watering or 2 to keep its soil consistently moist.
sunlight
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Edgar Anderson') does best in full sunlight to lightly shaded locations. It will tolerate full sun in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10, but in zones 6-7 it prefers some light afternoon shade. Varieties found in zone 5 may need full afternoon shade. As a general rule, boxwoods require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; however, it is best to avoid prolonged direct sun during hot summer months. To keep your boxwood healthy and promote new growth, it is important to provide the proper amount of sunlight and to protect its foliage from strong winds.
pruning
The best time to prune boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Edgar Anderson') has been found to be in the late winter or early spring. Although pruning of this species can be done in late summer as well, it is generally better to hold off until the following winter for the sake of its overall health and vitality. As for how much to prune, most of the time simply removing dead, damaged, or dying branches, as well as thinning the top of the shrub, is sufficient. However, if you're looking to shape the boxwood, you can cut away a bit more. The important thing is to avoid removing more than 1-third of the plant's living green foliage—doing so can be very damaging to the boxwood. Also, make sure to cut just above the leaf node in order to get a cleaner, straighter cut.
FAQ
Is Boxwood a popular landscape plant?
Yes, Boxwood is a popular landscape plant, due to its versatility in design, hardiness in cold temperatures, attractive foliage and its ability to be pruned into a variety of shapes. It makes an attractive year-round hedge, foundation plant or edging and, if left unpruned, can be grown as a small tree or shrub. Boxwoods can be planted either in the sun or partial shade and are a great addition to gardens of any size.
Are Boxwoods evergreen?
Yes, boxwoods are evergreen. They have deep green foliage and remain an attractive evergreen tree year-round, allowing for a versatile way to add color and structure to outdoor spaces. Boxwoods are also extremely easy to grow, making them a great choice for novice gardeners. Additionally, boxwoods are relatively low maintenance and can handle some light pruning if needed.
Can Boxwoods be trimmed into shapes?
Yes, boxwoods can be trimmed into shapes. With regular maintenance and occasional pruning, they can be cut and shaped into hedges, topiary, round forms and other creative patterns. Pruning them regularly also ensures that they remain healthy and look their best. It is important to trim them with the right tools and techniques in order to keep them healthy, while also achieving the desired shape.
Could Boxwoods be used as a hedge plant?
Yes, boxwoods can be used as a hedge plant. They are low-maintenance, evergreen shrubs that can be trimmed to create uniform hedges or shaped into topiary. Boxwoods are also resistant to disease and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. They are ideal for small to medium hedges and make an attractive backdrop for annual and perennial flowers.
Should Boxwoods be planted in full sun or shade?
It depends on the variety of boxwood you have. Some varieties, such as English boxwood, are best planted in full sun for optimal growth and form. However, other varieties such as American and Korean boxwood do better in partial shade due to the more intense heat of full sun. In areas with long, hot summers and mild winters, provide some shade protection to prevent over-heating and drying out, especially during the hottest times of day.
