Boxwood Shrubs

It’s super easy to consider Boxwood Shrubs of the Buxus genus to be THE BEST CHOICE chosen by many gardeners…especially those who want or desire elegance and formality in their landscapes.

Known for their dense foliage and versatility, this broadleaf, slow-growing evergreens are perfect for creating hedges, topiaries, and stand-alone specimens.

Included in our collection of boxwood shrubs, are a variety of species and cultivars - each one selected for its special characteristics, traits, and ability to adapt to what you need.

Benefits of Boxwood Shrubs in Landscapes and Gardens

Boxwood Shrub is a classic in both formal and informal settings depending on how they are styled.

Unending Beauty Unaffected By Seasons: Boxwood shrubs usually maintain their green foliage all year round which provides a consistent visual attraction and a sense of a permanent "decor" in your garden. 

Not to mention that their fine-textured leaves and dense growth habit end up creating a polished, manicured look that always enhances any landscape, day in and day out.

Ability to Be Versatile: Boxwoods are effortless at being versatile, adapting well to different kinds of garden styles and purposes. 

They can be used as formal hedges, informal borders, foundation plantings, or even artistic topiaries. 

And it is their ability to be pruned and shaped easily that makes them a favorite for creative garden designs.

They Are Low-Maintenance Shrubs: After planting, boxwood shrubs are relatively simple and easy to maintain. 

All they require is the most minimal pruning to maintain their shape, as they can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions. 

Most breeds require no pruning at all like the one we have which gives beautiful compact growth.

Ability to Tolerate Drought: It's common knowledge that Boxwood Shrubs are known for their remarkable ability to resist and tolerate drought. Which ideally, makes them the most suitable pick for gardens in regions with water restrictions. 

Privacy and Windbreaks Protection: By planting them super close and next to each other, Boxwood shrubs create thick hedges that serve as important privacy screens and windbreaks. This way, they block out unwanted views and reduce wind impact. 

USDA Zone and Popular Boxwood Shrubs and Their Characteristics

Boxwoods are better grown in USDA zones 4-8. Below are some of the most popular Boxwood Shrub options which are all ideal for hedging, privacy screening, and other landscaping designs.

• American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): First let's start with this one. This species in gardening is easily regarded as the most classic choice available out there. With a medium growth rate, it is known for its upright habit and ability to reach heights of 10-15 feet. 

• English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'): This species happens to offer a slow-growing variety with a compact form. Perfect for low hedges and formal gardens. 

• Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica): Now, this particular one is a more hardy and adaptable variety with a moderate growth rate.

• Wintergreen Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wintergreen'): Forget about "resembling" the other varieties. This particular one is known for its excellent ability to tolerate cold with its most vibrant green foliage. Making this variety ideal for colder climates.

• Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis): Last but not least, this species gives us a robust and fast-growing variety with a dense, compact form. 

Planting and Care Guides for Boxwood Shrubs

It is easy to plant and take care of Boxwood shrubs. This is actually what makes them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Plant your boxwood in soils with a pH between 6-8. The soil should drain well whether it is sandy loamy or loamy soil.

They prefer dappled shade and partial sun. If you are planting in containers, move the plant away from extreme weather conditions into say…your garage.

Using the following tips below, you can easily ensure your boxwoods thrive in your garden:

Preparation: So first of all, start by selecting a well-draining location with partial to full sun. Boxwoods prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. 

Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, loosening the soil to promote root growth. Mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil. 

But before doing so, fill a quarter of the hole with some water before adding the manure.

Planting: Next, place the boxwood in the hole at the same depth it was growing in its container. 

After that, backfill with soil, tamping down gently around the roots. And of course, you water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

For dwarf species, space them 1-2 feet apart while bigger varieties can be spaced 3-4 feet apart.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first year of growth. 

Mulching: Next, apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the shrub. 

This will retain its moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress the weeds around it. 

Remember to keep the mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Mulching offers additional protection from heat as the root system of this shrub is shallow.

Pruning: Boxwood fits many design forms depending on the variety. Some are more rounded, conical, spreading, or upright.

You can prune and shape them into many forms as Boxwoods respond well to pruning.

However, many breeds grow as compact shrubs without the need for heavy pruning. These compact breeds are better left alone

Fertilizing: Lastly, endeavor to feed your Boxwoods with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. 

Adding to that, please avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote weak, leggy growth. At this point, organic fertilizers or compost are excellent choices for maintaining soil health.

Boxwood Pests and Diseases

Boxwoods are susceptible to some pests and diseases. 

However, the boxwood leafminer is a nightmare to many boxwood varieties. When it develops fully into an adult fly, it leaves tunnels in the foliage.

Horticultural oils can help treat these problems.

Avoid overwatering and standing water so that root rot does not occur. 

Landscaping Ideas with Boxwood Shrubs

Want to open up a new world of possibilities for creative garden design?

We are so proud of our collection of Boxwood shrubs at PrivacyShrubs

Here are some ideas to inspire your landscape:

Formal Hedges: Create elegant, well-defined borders with boxwood hedges. When you look at their dense foliage and ability to be pruned into precise shapes, you will quickly come to agree this makes them ideal for formal garden designs. 

This is why it's okay to use them to line pathways, define garden rooms, or create geometric patterns.

Topiaries: If you want to unleash your creativity like some kind of "gardening Da Vinci"... try sculpting boxwoods into topiaries. 

And you will come to see how quickly these living sculptures can add a touch of sophistication to any garden. 

Whether you prefer classic spheres, spirals, or intricate animal shapes, boxwoods are perfect for artistic expression.

Mixed Borders: Now, we bet you didn't know that you could incorporate boxwoods into mixed borders. Or did you? 

Alongside flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and other shrubs... their evergreen foliage provides a constant backdrop, enhancing the seasonal blooms and textures of companion plants.

Foundation Plantings: You could also use boxwoods to frame the foundation of your home. 

Imagine their tidy, compact growth adding that polished look to the landscape, softening the transition between the house and the garden. Pair them with flowering shrubs or groundcovers for added interest.

Container Gardens: Boxwoods can thrive for long periods in containers. Making them ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens. 

For this purpose, choose dwarf varieties or prune larger ones to fit the scale of your containers. Combine them with seasonal flowers for a dynamic and ever-changing display.

Sustainability Practices for Growing Boxwoods

Here are some eco-friendly practices to adopt if you want a healthy garden and a better environment while caring for your new Boxwoods:

Water Efficiency: You can use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water straight to the roots. This way, you can avoid water waste. 

Organic Mulching: Organic mulch such as compost, shredded leaves, or pine needles will serve as soil enrichment without harming the environment.

This conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and improves soil health better than using non-organic. 

Over time, remember to replenish mulch as needed to maintain its effectiveness. That's pretty much all you need at this point.

Integrated Pest Management: At this point, monitor your Boxwoods regularly, and be on the lookout for pests and diseases (otherwise they are so easy to miss). 

Encourage beneficial insects and natural predators to keep pest populations in check. Use organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap when necessary, and avoid broad-spectrum pesticides.

Prudent Pruning is So Important: Ensure you regularly prune your precious Boxwoods. This will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Also remove dead or diseased branches on time, to maintain plant health and vigor.

Where to Buy Boxwood Shrubs

At PrivacyShrubs, we go all out to offer a wide selection of Boxwood Shrubs. We do our best to make sure each is carefully grown to ensure health and vigor. 

So you can trust our plants will be the most ideal for enhancing any outdoor space, from formal gardens to casual landscapes. 

Whether you want to create a designed hedge, a decorative topiary, or a low-maintenance foundation planting... 

We have just THE PERFECT Boxwood for your needs. 

Our team of experts is ready to assist you with selecting the right type and variety for whatever kind of needs you may have. While as well, providing tips for successful planting and care. 

So do well to explore our collection today and discover the timeless beauty of our Boxwood Shrubs waiting for ya. 

For more information or to place an order, contact us. We're here to help you create a stunning, evergreen garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Grow Boxwoods In Pots?

The answer to that will be a YES. Because Boxwood Shrubs are great for container gardening. 

Opt for dwarf varieties or cut back larger ones to accommodate your containers. Make sure you have good drainage and that the plant is fully watered/fertilized regularly.

Are Boxwood Shrubs Sun or Shade Plants? 

Boxwoods do well in partial sun or full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. Keep them in at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day for best results. Excessive shade can lead to weak and stunted growth.

How do I Protect Boxwood Shrubs from Winter Damage? 

To protect your boxwood from winter damage, ensure you apply a layer of mulch right around the base to insulate the roots. 

You also need to avoid pruning in late fall, as new growth makes the Shrub susceptible to frost damage. 

In areas with the harshest winters, do consider using burlap screens or "anti-desiccant" sprays to shield the foliage from drying winds.

Are Boxwood Shrubs Deer-Resistant Shrubs? 

Boxwoods are generally known to be deer-resistant. This is due to their dense, tough foliage. However, it's NOT uncommon for hungry deer to still go after them.

In this case, using (especially organic) repellents or physical barriers can help deter deer from feeding on your Boxwoods.