boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Natchez'
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:
Medium
watering
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Natchez') should be watered thoroughly when the soil appears dry. Water about every 7-10 days during the summer, allowing the soil to dry out a little between watering. In winter, however, watering should be reduced, as boxwoods are semi-dormant and need less water. In the cooler months, water about every 14-21 days. Always check the soil before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
sunlight
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Natchez') grows best in full sun to part shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight are recommended for optimal growth. However, too much sunlight can cause burning and may stunt growth. In regions with hot summers, afternoon shade is beneficial. Boxwood are broadleaf evergreens that do best in cooler climates. In warmer areas, they should be provided with some form of shade.
pruning
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Natchez') is best pruned during the late spring season, when the new growth has just begun to appear. The severity of pruning depends on the desired shape of the boxwood and how much it needs to be thinned, so it is important to be conservative with pruning at first to achieve the desired result. When pruning, it is important to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. When thinning out the plant, no more than 1 third of the hedge should be pruned away, or the remaining branches will be too sparse and subjected to sunscald. To prevent the boxwood from becoming too tall or wide, tip-prune the lateral branches and shorten the branches on the top of boxwood to desired lengths. To maintain a desired shape, prune the sides of the boxwood to the desired shape or size.
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.
