Welcome back to our monthly plant spotlight series! We’re highlighting a different plant each month to provide you with all the information you need to successfully care for it. In this edition, we will be exploring the Boxwood, a beautiful evergreen plant that thrives in Middle Tennessee gardens. Let’s dive in to this Boxwood care guide so you can successfully grow these elegant shrubs in your landscape!
Plant Overview
- – Common Names: Boxwood
- – Native to Middle Tennessee: No
- – Perennial or Annual: Perennial
- – Deer Tolerant: Yes
- – Drought Tolerant: Once Established
- – Low or High Maintenance: Low
Plant Care
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub known for its dense foliage and classic beauty. These plants are a great addition to any landscape thanks to their wide range of sizes and ability to be shaped to personal preference. Whether you’re looking for an elegant container plant to enhance your entryway or an orderly row to line your driveway Boxwood is a great choice when given the right care.
To ensure the health and vibrancy of your evergreen, follow this Boxwood care guide:
Light Requirements:
Boxwood prefers partial shade to full sun. Generally 5-6 hours of sunlight per day. This makes them a great choice for walkways and containers. In hot climates they can benefit from having afternoon shade while they are getting established.
Watering:
Determining the correct amount of watering depends on rainfall, soil type, amount of sun and climate. Since these evergreens can be grown in such a wide range of climate types it’s important give specific care based on where you live. Generally here in Middle TN they should be watered about once a week during a dry spell but that can be increased if it’s a prolonged period of drought. Water slowly and deeply in order to give the roots what they need to continue growth. Boxwoods don’t like to have wet feet so make sure that the soil is well draining and there is no standing water in order to avoid root rot.
Soil Type:
Boxwood thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. If planting in a container make sure there are drainage holes and use sandy or loamy soil to reduce risk of disease. Add organic matter to the soil surrounding the plant whether it’s in a container or planted in the ground if you notice standing water. This will decrease the chances of succumbing to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizer applied in the spring will promote foliage growth. Whereas if it is applied in the fall it will promote root growth. Avoid applying during the heat of the summer or right before winter weather since new growth is susceptible to damage from extreme weather.
Pruning:
The best time to trim boxwoods is in the spring since it promotes new growth. Pruning during the heat of summer or late fall could damage tender new growth. When you’re doing a hard cut on boxwoods it is important to be mindful of the 1/3rd rule. Don’t remove more than 1/3rd of the plant at a time. If you need to remove more do it over a couple seasons instead of all at once. Since boxwood is a relatively slow growing plant you’ll still be making progress cutting back this way without causing harm to the plant. Light shaping once or twice a year will help your boxwood grow and keep a uniform shape in your landscape.
Pests:
The most common pest problems for Boxwoods are the Boxwood Leafminer and Boxwood Mites. Monitor the plant regularly for signs of damage to get ahead of a major infestation. The Leafminer is a small orange mosquito looking insect that “mines” into leaves leaving orange tinted blisters that discolor leaves. You can learn more about the damage and how to treat them here. Boxwood mites are tiny and therefore often remain unseen. The damage from these pests appears as tiny yellow/white dots early in the spring season followed by an overall unhealthy looking appearance. For both of these pests it’s best to treat as early as possible to minimize damage.
Diseases:
Common diseases that affect Boxwood include boxwood blight and root rot. Boxwood Blight is a fungal infection that starts as discoloration and quickly progresses to leaf browning and mass loss of leaves. To reduce the risk of spreading Boxwood Blight prune away affected areas and be sure to fully sanitize all tools used after. This disease is easily spread and a professional should be consulted to determine the best route of action. Root rot is easier to control by having well draining soil and watching out for standing water regularly. If you do notice standing water you should add organic materials to help the water drain. Ensure all potted boxwoods have drain holes that are clear also.
Environmental Stress:
Newly planted boxwoods may suffer from extreme temperatures or drought. New growth is especially susceptible to extreme heat or cold. Wrap the plant in burlap to protect delicate growth if there is an early frost in your area and try to shade from the worst of the afternoon sun in the summer. Timing pruning properly will also help the boxwood avoid environmental stress. Once boxwoods are well established they are able to withstand most temperature and rainfall fluctuations with little to no extra help.
Why we Love it:
The Boxwood is a popular choice in Middle TN gardens for good reason!
- Versatility: Boxwood comes in a wide range of sizes and can be shaped into various forms, making it suitable for hedges, topiaries, and formal gardens. They are also a great choice for privacy due to their dense foliage and immense size.
- Evergreen Beauty: The dense, glossy foliage of Boxwood provides year-round interest and adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. It is a southern staple for many landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Boxwood requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the information needed to care for Boxwood, it’s time to bring this elegant shrub into your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Boxwood will surely add beauty and interest to your outdoor space. We use Boxwoods in a variety of locations through our landscapes. You can find some more examples of that here and on our facebook page for inspiration in your own landscape!
You must be logged in to post a comment.