Species boxwood Guide

boxwood

Buxus sempervirens 'Nish'

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

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Nish') should be watered every 5-7 days, providing sufficient water to dampen the soil beneath the surface. During the summer, they may need to be watered a little more frequently, and during the winter, a little less. It's important not to overwater, as this can cause root rot or fungal diseases. Throughout the growing season, hose them off every few weeks to keep leaves clean and reduce the spread of pests and disease. If you experience a dry spell, water more frequently.

sunlight

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Nish') requires full sun, which is at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During spring and summer, it can tolerate longer amounts of sun exposure. In the fall and winter months, it should be exposed to more indirect or filtered sunlight as it is more prone to cold damage. It is important to make sure the area in which the boxwood is growing is well-drained and not in standing water.

pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for a Boxwood plant (Buxus sempervirens 'Nish'). Pruning should be done in the spring, just after the vegetative growth begins. It will encourage healthy growth and maintain a pleasant shape. Prune lightly, removing no more than 1-quarter of the foliage. If the plant appears to be overgrown, trim it back in stages over the course of a few weeks. Make sure to cut back to just above a bud or the branch collar, which is the swollen area where branch meets trunk. Prune out any dead, weak, or crossing branches as well. Rejuvenation pruning can also be done on older boxwoods. This involves removing 1-third of the oldest, outermost growth, focusing on damaged or diseased parts. This stimulates vigorous new growth.

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.