Species boxwood

boxwood

Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis'

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis') is one of the most amazing plants around. Not only is it beautiful with its lush, green foliage and pleasant, woody fragrance, it also has a great variety of uses. It's excellent for pruning and hedging, and can even be used for topiary sculptures. It's very easy to care for, as it has a natural tolerance for both heat and cold. Plus it's a great choice for gardens as it grows slow and stays low. This beautiful evergreen shrub is definitely a must-have for any garden or landscape.

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 plants should be watered deeply once a week if there is no rainfall. Be sure to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system and water the soil directly near the base of the plant. During hot, dry weather, they may need more frequent watering. A good way to check is by sticking your finger into the soil at a depth of at least 2-3 inches, if it feels dry, then water your plant until the soil is saturated but be sure not to overwater. It is best to water in the morning.

sunlight

The boxwood, or Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis', is an evergreen shrub and hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. It prefers at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day, and will grow best in full sun. If possible, plant boxwood in an area that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves in the hot summer months. In areas with intense sun exposure, some light afternoon shade can help the plant capitalize on the most beneficial parts of the sun's rays without being damaged by the strong midday sun.

pruning

Pruning boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis') should be done twice a year. The first pruning should be done in the early spring (March or April), to remove any dead, dying or diseased branches. The second pruning should occur during the fall (September or October), to shape the plant and encourage healthy growth. When pruning, aim to remove no more than a third of the overall growth. Be sure to keep the natural shape intact and avoid leaving any unsightly bare spots. You may also trim off any new shoots that are growing out of bounds, as this can encourage a fuller and denser shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis' (boxwood) typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Boxwood typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Boxwood typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Buxus sempervirens 'Inglis' (boxwood) typically begins in late summer or early fall, usually in August or September.

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.