boxwood
Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
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
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
For boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy'), it is best to water it every 4 to 7 days, depending on weather and soil conditions. It is important to not allow the soil to become too dry, as this can negatively affect the health of the plant. A good guide is to check if the soil feels too dry just under the top 1 inch of soil. If it does, then water the plant. Water should be applied directly to the ground and it is best to water in the early morning or in the evening in order to minimize leaf burn from the sun. Overwatering should also be avoided; water until the soil is moist but not soggy. In dryer climates and summer months, boxwood plants need to be watered more frequently.
sunlight
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy') plants prefer 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planted in an area with less than 5 hours of sunlight, it is best to supplement the sunlight with broad spectrum artificial lighting for at least 4 hours each day. In areas with too much sun, like direct sunlight all day, it is important to provide some shade to the plant. Placing it in a spot that gets morning light and afternoon shade is ideal for boxwood plants. If the plant is exposed to intense sunlight for long periods, it can cause the leaves to discolor and wilt, leading to unhealthy growth.
pruning
Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy') should be pruned twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. During the spring prune each branch by 1/3 to 1/2 of its original size to maintain an even shape. In the fall, remove any dead or broken branches and thin them out if necessary. This will promote new growth and help the plant retain a nice shape. Pruning should only be done when necessary; if the plant is not overgrown, it does not need to be pruned.
Season
Hardiness Map
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.
