boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Paramus'
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:
Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
watering
Water your boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Paramus') regularly to keep the soil moist. During the first year of its life, water deeply every 4 to 7 days during the summer months. In subsequent years, water your boxwood every 2 to 3 weeks during the summer, providing 2 to 4 inches of water each time. Water your boxwood when the soil feels dry to the touch. In winter, reduce watering significantly; water your plant every 4 to 6 weeks if the area has dry weather.
sunlight
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Paramus') enjoys full sun to part shade in order to thrive. The plant can tolerate some light shade but prefers full sun for at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day, with more sunlight likely to increase the rate of growth and health of the plants. For best results, exposure to morning and/or late afternoon sun is ideal as the plant will benefit from the direct warmth of the sun without the harshness of the midday summer sun.
pruning
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Paramus') should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring and once in the summer. In the spring, prune away dead, diseased and weak growth and encouraged denser growth. Remove approximately 1-third of the length of the branches of the boxwood to ensure the shrub maintains good shape. In the summer, trim the shrub lightly to control the size and shape and remove any leftover dead wood. Pruning boxwoods is important to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
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.
