Boxwood Plant Care Guide: How to Grow Boxwood Plant

August 11, 2024
10:27 am

Boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.) are broadleaf evergreens and are classic choices for hedges and topiaries in moderate climates. Learn how to select and cultivate them.

Introduction

Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its dense, green foliage that maintains its color year-round. Often used in formal gardens, it is a popular choice for creating hedges, borders, and topiaries due to its ability to be easily shaped and maintained. Boxwood thrives in moderate climates and prefers well-drained soil with partial to full sun. With proper care, including regular pruning and protection from harsh weather, boxwood can be a long-lasting and attractive feature in any landscape.

Exploring 6 Varieties of Boxwood Plants

Boxwood plants come in a variety of types, each with unique characteristics suited to different landscaping needs. Here are some popular varieties:

English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’): Known for its dense, compact growth, English Boxwood is a classic choice for low hedges and topiaries. It has small, rounded leaves and is slower-growing than other varieties.
American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): This variety is larger and faster-growing than English Boxwood, making it suitable for taller hedges. It has glossy, dark green leaves and can be shaped into more substantial forms.
Korean Boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis): Korean Boxwood is hardy and more tolerant of colder climates. It has a dense growth habit and is often used in areas with harsh winters. The leaves are slightly smaller and more oval than those of English and American varieties.
Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica): This variety is heat-tolerant and can thrive in warmer climates. It has a more open growth habit and larger, lighter green leaves. Japanese Boxwood is often used in regions with hot summers.
Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’): A hybrid variety known for its upright, pyramidal shape, Green Mountain Boxwood is perfect for adding vertical interest in the garden. It retains its color well in winter and is often used in formal garden designs.
Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Velvet’): This variety has a rounded, dense growth habit with vibrant green leaves that maintain their color throughout the year. It’s ideal for small hedges or as a foundation plant.

Each of these varieties has specific strengths, making it possible to choose the right Boxwood for different climate conditions and design purposes.

How to Grow and Care for Boxwood Plant

Growing and caring for Boxwood plants requires attention to their specific needs to ensure they remain healthy and attractive. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Boxwood:

1. Choosing the Right Location

Light: Boxwood plants thrive in partial shade to full sun. In areas with very hot summers, they benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Soil: They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Boxwoods are adaptable but do best in loamy soil with good drainage.

2. Planting

Timing: The best time to plant Boxwood is in the early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate.
Spacing: Depending on the variety, space the plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their mature size and proper air circulation.
Planting Depth: Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the Boxwood in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.

3. Watering

Regular Watering: Boxwoods need consistent moisture, especially in the first year after planting. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

4. Fertilizing

Timing: Fertilize Boxwood in early spring before new growth starts.
Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10).
Application: Spread the fertilizer evenly around the root zone, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, and water it in well.

5. Pruning

Purpose: Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, size, and health of the Boxwood.
Timing: Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but major shaping should be done in late spring or early summer.
Method: Use sharp, clean shears to trim the plant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and thin out the interior to improve air circulation.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests: Watch for Boxwood leafminers, mites, and scale. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can prevent infestations.
Diseases: Boxwoods can be susceptible to fungal diseases like Boxwood blight and root rot. Ensuring good air circulation, proper watering, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these issues.

7. Winter Care

Protection: In colder climates, Boxwoods may need protection from winter winds and ice. Wrapping the plants in burlap or using windbreaks can help prevent winter burn.
Watering: Continue watering until the ground freezes to ensure the plants are well-hydrated going into winter.

8. Long-Term Care

Renewal Pruning: Every few years, consider a more substantial pruning to rejuvenate older plants, cutting back up to one-third of the plant.
Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or dieback, which may indicate issues with watering, pests, or disease.

By following these care guidelines, Boxwood plants can thrive and remain an attractive feature in your landscape for many years.

10 Steps for Propagating Boxwood Plant

Propagating Boxwood plants is typically done through stem cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to propagate Boxwood:

1. Choose the Right Time

The best time to take cuttings is in late summer to early fall when the plant is still actively growing, but the wood has started to harden.

2. Prepare Your Tools and Materials

Tools: You’ll need a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors, a clean knife, and a pot or tray for rooting.
Materials: Prepare a rooting hormone, a well-draining potting mix (such as a mix of perlite and peat moss), and plastic bags or a propagating dome to cover the cuttings.

3. Select Healthy Cuttings

Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from the current season’s growth. Look for stems that are about 4-6 inches long and semi-hardwood, meaning they’re firm but still flexible.

4. Take the Cuttings

Cut the selected stem just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem) using your pruning shears. Make sure the cutting is about 4-6 inches long.
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.

5. Apply Rooting Hormone

Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder or gel. This encourages root development and increases the chances of successful propagation.

6. Plant the Cuttings

Fill your pot or tray with the prepared potting mix. Moisten the mix, but ensure it’s not waterlogged.
Insert the cuttings about 1-2 inches deep into the soil, spacing them so they have room to grow. Gently press the soil around the cuttings to ensure good contact.

7. Create a Humid Environment

Cover the pot or tray with a plastic bag or use a propagating dome to create a mini greenhouse. This helps retain moisture and maintain humidity around the cuttings.
Place the setup in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the cuttings.

8. Watering and Care

Check the cuttings regularly to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. Water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.
Ventilate the plastic covering occasionally to prevent mold or mildew.

9. Root Development

Roots should start developing within 4-6 weeks. You can check by gently tugging on the cuttings—if there’s resistance, roots have formed.
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be gradually acclimated to normal humidity levels by removing the plastic cover for longer periods each day.

10. Transplanting

After the cuttings have developed a strong root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots with regular potting soil.
Continue to grow them in a sheltered location for several months before planting them in the garden.

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Boxwood plants and expand your garden with new, healthy shrubs.

10 Benefits of Boxwood Plant

Boxwood plants offer several benefits that make them a popular choice in landscaping and gardening. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Year-Round Greenery

Boxwood plants are evergreen, providing lush green foliage throughout the year. This consistent color makes them ideal for maintaining a vibrant garden, even in winter.

2. Versatility in Design

Boxwoods can be shaped and pruned into various forms, such as hedges, topiaries, borders, or standalone shrubs. Their ability to be easily sculpted makes them perfect for formal gardens and creative landscaping designs.

3. Low Maintenance

Once established, Boxwood plants require minimal care. They are relatively drought-tolerant, resistant to deer, and can thrive in a variety of soil types as long as there is good drainage.

4. Durability

Boxwoods are long-lived plants that can last for decades, providing enduring beauty and structure to a garden. Their hardiness makes them a reliable choice for both residential and commercial landscapes.

5. Pest and Disease Resistance

Although not immune, Boxwoods are generally resistant to many common pests and diseases. With proper care and occasional monitoring, they can remain healthy and attractive.

6. Windbreak and Privacy

Dense Boxwood hedges can serve as effective windbreaks, reducing wind damage to other plants and creating a more sheltered garden environment. They also offer privacy when used as boundary hedges.

7. Improving Air Quality

Like other plants, Boxwoods contribute to better air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Their dense foliage can also help filter out pollutants from the air.

8. Erosion Control

The dense root system of Boxwood plants helps stabilize soil, making them useful for preventing erosion on slopes or in areas with loose soil.

9. Aesthetic Appeal

The classic, timeless look of Boxwood plants adds elegance and structure to any landscape. They complement a wide range of garden styles, from traditional to modern.

10. Wildlife Habitat

While deer tend to avoid Boxwoods, their dense foliage can provide shelter for small birds and other wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

These benefits make Boxwood a valuable addition to gardens, offering both functional and aesthetic advantages that enhance the overall landscape.

Common Pests

Boxwood plants are generally hardy, but they can be susceptible to several pests. Here are some common pests that affect Boxwoods:

1. Boxwood Leafminer (Monarthropalpus flavus)

Description: The Boxwood Leafminer is the most common pest affecting Boxwood plants. The adult is a small, orange mosquito-like fly, while the larvae are tiny, yellowish maggots.
Damage: Larvae feed within the leaves, creating blister-like mines. This causes the leaves to yellow, blister, and eventually drop.
Control: Prune and dispose of infested branches. Insecticidal sprays can be used, especially in early spring when adults are emerging.

2. Boxwood Mite (Eurytetranychus buxi)

Description: These are tiny, spider-like mites that feed on the underside of Boxwood leaves.
Damage: Mites cause stippling, bronzing, or yellowing of leaves, leading to a loss of aesthetic appeal.
Control: Horticultural oils or miticides can be used to manage heavy infestations. Regular monitoring and maintaining plant health can help prevent severe damage.

3. Boxwood Psyllid (Psylla buxi)

Description: The Boxwood Psyllid is a small, winged insect that resembles a miniature cicada. Its nymphs are green and feed on new growth.
Damage: Feeding causes leaves to cup and curl, distorting new growth and reducing the plant’s overall appearance.
Control: Pruning out affected growth and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control this pest.

4. Boxwood Scale (Diaspidiotus ancylus)

Description: Boxwood Scale is a small, immobile insect that attaches to stems and branches. The scales appear as white or tan bumps on the plant.
Damage: Heavy infestations can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and branch dieback due to sap loss.
Control: Horticultural oils can be effective against the crawler stage of the scale. Regular pruning and monitoring are also important.

5. Boxwood Blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata)

Description: Though technically a disease, Boxwood Blight is often confused with pest damage. It’s a fungal disease that causes significant leaf loss and dieback.
Damage: Symptoms include dark leaf spots, stem lesions, and rapid defoliation. It can be devastating if left untreated.
Control: Remove and destroy infected plants or branches. Fungicides may help prevent the spread, but there is no cure. Planting resistant varieties and ensuring good air circulation can reduce the risk.

6. Mealybugs

Description: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects covered in a white, waxy coating. They often cluster on stems and leaf axils.
Damage: Mealybugs suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a sticky residue called honeydew, which can attract sooty mold.
Control: Remove mealybugs by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects can also help control mealybug populations.
Mealybug Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Mealybugs

7. Aphids

Description: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, brown, or red. They cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
Damage: Aphids cause distorted growth, yellowing leaves, and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.
Control: Aphid infestations can be managed with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs.
Aphid Pest Control: How to Get Rid of Aphids

Regular inspection, proper plant care, and timely intervention can help manage these pests and keep Boxwood plants healthy and attractive.

Common Problems

Boxwood plants, while generally hardy and versatile, can face several common problems. Here are some of the issues that may affect them:

1. Boxwood Blight

Description: Boxwood blight is a serious fungal disease caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata.
Symptoms: It causes dark leaf spots, stem lesions, and rapid defoliation, often leading to significant dieback. Infected plants may lose their leaves quickly and, in severe cases, can be killed.
Management: Remove and destroy affected plants or branches immediately to prevent the spread. Fungicides may help protect healthy plants, but there is no cure. Proper spacing for air circulation and planting resistant varieties can reduce the risk.

2. Winter Burn

Description: Winter burn is a common issue in colder climates, where Boxwoods are exposed to harsh winter conditions.
Symptoms: Leaves may turn yellow, brown, or bronze, particularly on the windward side of the plant. This is due to desiccation (drying out) of the leaves when the plant loses moisture faster than it can replace it from frozen ground.
Management: Protect plants from harsh winter winds by using burlap wraps or windbreaks. Water the plants thoroughly before the ground freezes in late fall to ensure they are well-hydrated. Consider planting in sheltered locations.

3. Root Rot

Description: Root rot is caused by overly wet or poorly drained soils, which encourage fungal growth.
Symptoms: Plants may exhibit yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and eventual dieback. The roots themselves may become soft, brown, and decayed.
Management: Ensure proper drainage by planting in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot is detected early, improving drainage or replanting in a more suitable location can help. In severe cases, the plant may need to be removed.

4. Leaf Spot Diseases

Description: Various fungi can cause leaf spot diseases in Boxwood, including Volutella and Macrophoma.
Symptoms: Circular, brown or black spots may appear on the leaves, often leading to premature leaf drop. In the case of Volutella, the leaves may also curl and die.
Management: Prune and dispose of affected leaves and branches. Improve air circulation around the plants by proper spacing and pruning. Fungicides can be applied if the problem persists.

5. Pest Infestations

Description: Common pests like Boxwood leafminers, mites, and scales can weaken plants and cause unsightly damage.
Symptoms: Symptoms vary depending on the pest but may include yellowing leaves, blistered or curled leaves, and stunted growth.
Management: Regular monitoring and early intervention with appropriate treatments like insecticidal soaps, oils, or specific insecticides can help manage pest problems. Encouraging natural predators can also help keep pest populations in check.

6. Nutrient Deficiency

Description: Boxwoods may suffer from nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, leading to poor growth and foliage discoloration.
Symptoms: Symptoms include yellowing leaves (often starting at the tips), poor growth, and overall plant decline.
Management: Conduct a soil test to determine the nutrient levels and adjust the fertilization accordingly. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can help maintain plant health.

7. Phytophthora Root Rot

Description: This is a specific type of root rot caused by the Phytophthora fungus, which thrives in overly moist conditions.
Symptoms: Affected plants show signs of wilting, yellowing, and sudden death. The roots are usually brown and mushy.
Management: Prevent by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. Infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread to healthy plants.

8. Poor Air Circulation

Description: Dense planting or poor pruning can reduce air circulation around Boxwoods, leading to increased humidity and susceptibility to diseases.
Symptoms: Increased incidence of fungal infections like blight and leaf spot, as well as pest infestations.
Management: Prune Boxwoods regularly to open up the plant and improve air circulation. Space plants appropriately to prevent overcrowding.

9. Over-Pruning

Description: Over-pruning or improper pruning can stress Boxwoods and make them more vulnerable to diseases and environmental stress.
Symptoms: Reduced vigor, slower growth, and increased susceptibility to diseases and winter damage.
Management: Prune Boxwoods lightly and regularly, focusing on maintaining their natural shape. Avoid heavy pruning, especially late in the growing season, to minimize stress.

Addressing these common problems with proper care, regular monitoring, and timely intervention can help keep Boxwood plants healthy and thriving in your garden.

FAQs

1. What are Boxwood plants commonly used for in landscaping?

Answer: Boxwood plants are widely used for hedges, borders, topiaries, and foundation plantings. Their dense, evergreen foliage makes them ideal for creating formal garden designs and providing year-round structure and color.

2. How much sunlight do Boxwood plants need?

Answer: Boxwoods prefer partial shade to full sun. They can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but in areas with very hot summers, they benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.

3. What type of soil is best for Boxwood plants?

Answer: Boxwoods thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.5). They prefer loamy soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as there is good drainage.

4. How often should I water my Boxwood plant?

Answer: Newly planted Boxwoods should be watered regularly to establish roots, typically once a week. Mature Boxwoods are relatively drought-tolerant but should be watered during dry spells, especially in hot weather. Always water deeply to encourage deep root growth.

5. When is the best time to prune Boxwood plants?

Answer: The best time to prune Boxwoods is in late spring to early summer after the new growth has emerged. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, but avoid heavy pruning in late fall to prevent winter damage.

6. Can Boxwood plants survive winter?

Answer: Yes, Boxwoods are generally hardy and can survive winter, especially if they are well-established. However, in colder climates, they may need protection from winter winds and sun to prevent winter burn. Applying mulch and watering before the ground freezes can help protect them.

7. How do I protect my Boxwood plants from pests?

Answer: Regularly inspect your Boxwood plants for signs of pests like Boxwood leafminers, mites, and scale. Early intervention with insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or other appropriate treatments can help control infestations. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also be beneficial.

8. What is Boxwood blight, and how can I prevent it?

Answer: Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that causes rapid defoliation and dieback. To prevent it, avoid overhead watering, ensure proper spacing for good air circulation, and remove and destroy infected plants or branches immediately. Fungicides can be used preventively in areas prone to blight.

9. How do I propagate Boxwood plants?

Answer: Boxwoods are most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a humid environment until they root.

10. Why are the leaves on my Boxwood turning yellow?

Answer: Yellowing leaves on Boxwoods can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies (particularly nitrogen), pest infestations, or root rot. Assess the plant’s environment and care routine to determine the cause and take corrective action.

11. Can Boxwood plants grow in containers?

Answer: Yes, Boxwoods can be grown in containers, making them a great option for patios, entryways, and small gardens. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has adequate drainage. Container-grown Boxwoods need regular watering and may require more frequent feeding.

12. How fast do Boxwood plants grow?

Answer: Boxwoods are generally slow-growing plants, with an average growth rate of 2-3 inches per year. Growth rates can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions. Patience is key when growing Boxwoods, especially if using them for hedges or topiaries.

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