How to Grow and Care for Boxwood Shrubs

Boxwoods include various shrubs and small trees; however, many cultivars popular in modern landscaping are dwarf varieties. These dwarf boxwoods are favored for their dense, light-green leaves and compact, often rounded, growth habit. They grow optimally in full sun to partial shade and require well-drained soil.

Boxwood plants contain compounds that can be toxic to people and pets if ingested.

Botanical Name	Buxus species
Common Names	Boxwood, English boxwood, common box
Family	Buxaceae
Plant Type	Shrub
Mature Size	1-8 ft. tall & wide (common landscape cultivars); some species grow larger
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type	Loamy, well-drained
Soil pH	Neutral, alkaline (6.8-7.5 preferred)
Bloom Time	Spring
Flower Color	Green, yellow (inconspicuous)
Hardiness Zones	5-9 (USDA)
Native Area	Europe, Asia, Africa
Toxicity	Toxic to people and pets if ingested

Boxwood Shrub Care Guide

Boxwoods are best planted in loamy, well-drained soil, in a location receiving full sun to partial shade, ideally sheltered from strong winds. Their root systems are relatively shallow, so the soil around them should be protected from temperature extremes. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of each plant, keeping the mulch approximately 2 inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.

Light Requirements

Boxwoods generally thrive in full sun to partial shade. In regions with intense summer heat, providing dappled shade, particularly during afternoon hours, is beneficial. Shielding by taller plants can also help maintain cooler soil temperatures for their roots.

Soil Conditions

Boxwood shrubs require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. They generally prefer a soil pH between 6.8 and 7.5, though they can tolerate slightly more acidic conditions.

Watering Needs

During their first two years of establishment, boxwoods benefit from consistent, thorough weekly watering. Avoid frequent shallow watering, as this discourages deep root growth. Established, mature plants typically require deep watering every two to four weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Temperature and Humidity Preferences

Boxwoods are typically hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In hot summer climates, they benefit from additional watering and some afternoon shade. In colder areas such as Zone 5, new growth on stem tips may be susceptible to winter dieback.

Fertilization Guidelines

Fertilize boxwoods in early spring before new growth begins, using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Adhere to the application rates specified on the product label.

Common Boxwood Varieties

Numerous boxwood cultivars are available, each with distinct characteristics. The ideal choice depends on specific landscaping requirements and desired aesthetic.

• Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (Dwarf English Boxwood) is often chosen for formal gardens due to its slow growth and compact habit, more so than ‘Arborescens’. It typically reaches 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in height and 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) in width.
• Buxus sempervirens ‘Arborescens’ (Common or American Boxwood) is a larger, faster-growing variety, capable of reaching up to 20 feet in height with a spread of 8-10 feet if unpruned.
• Buxus sempervirens ‘Monrue Green Tower’ (Green Tower® Boxwood) exhibits a columnar form, growing to about 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall but only 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. It is suitable for narrow hedges, vertical accents, or topiary.
• Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese Boxwood) is frequently selected for low hedges and is noted for better drought tolerance than some other boxwoods. It is recommended for USDA zones 6-9 and typically matures to 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) tall and 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) wide. This variety is a common feature in many traditional East Asian gardens.
• Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Winter Gem’ grows to 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) in height and spread. This cultivar is known for its foliage, which can take on golden to bronze hues in winter.
• Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Golden Triumph’ is a smaller cultivar, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, and is distinguished by its variegated leaves.

Pruning Boxwoods

While renowned for their tolerance to significant pruning, many boxwoods naturally develop an appealing, informal shape requiring minimal trimming. Pruning is generally limited to removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain plant health and structure.

For more formal shaping, pruning can be done almost any time during the active growing season. However, avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this can make the plant more susceptible to winter bronzing.

Propagating Boxwoods from Cuttings

Boxwoods are commonly propagated by taking stem cuttings in mid-summer. Follow these steps:

1. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, take 3 to 4-inch (7 to 10 cm) cuttings from the tips of new growth. Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting and gently scrape the bark on one side of the base.
2. Insert the cut ends into a pot containing a well-draining rooting medium (e.g., a mix of perlite, peat moss, and sand). Moisten the medium, then cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain high humidity. Place it in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
3. Check the medium daily for moisture, misting lightly if it begins to dry. After a few weeks, check for root development by gently tugging on a cutting; resistance indicates rooting.
4. Once a sufficient root system has developed, remove the plastic covering and transplant each rooted cutting into an individual pot filled with a quality potting mix.
5. Continue to grow the new plants in a bright location, such as a sunny windowsill, until they are ready for outdoor planting the following spring, after the last frost.

Growing Boxwoods from Seed

Growing boxwood from seed is a lengthy process but can be a rewarding endeavor.

1. Prepare small (e.g., 2-inch) pots filled with a sterile, organic seed-starting mix.
2. To break dormancy, boxwood seeds require cold stratification. Place the seeds between layers of moist paper towels in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate them for approximately one month. Ensure the paper towels remain consistently moist.
3. After the stratification period, move the bag of seeds to a warm environment, around 70°F (21°C), to encourage germination.
4. Once the seeds sprout, carefully plant them sprout-side down (radicle facing down) into the prepared pots, one seed per pot, covering lightly with soil.
5. Cover each pot with clear plastic wrap to maintain humidity and place them in a location with bright, indirect light. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. When a green shoot emerges above the soil line, remove the plastic wrap.
7. Continue to care for the seedlings in their pots, providing adequate light and moisture. Once they have developed a strong root system and outgrown their initial containers, they can be gradually hardened off and transplanted outdoors.

Potting and Repotting Boxwoods

When growing boxwood in a pot, select a container appropriate for the plant’s current root system size, allowing adequate space for growth. Good drainage is essential.

When the boxwood outgrows its current pot, transplant it to a container that is one size larger (typically 1-2 inches wider in diameter). Use fresh, high-quality, well-draining potting mix. After repotting, water thoroughly and monitor for signs of stress, ensuring the soil remains appropriately moist.

Overwintering Care for Boxwoods

In the colder northern parts of their hardiness range (e.g., USDA Zone 5), new growth on boxwoods can be susceptible to winter damage from cold temperatures and harsh winds. For the first few years after planting, provide protection by wrapping shrubs with burlap or using a similar protective screen.

Managing Common Pests and Diseases

Common insect pests affecting boxwoods include leafminers, boxwood mites, and boxwood psyllids. While their damage can be unsightly, it is rarely fatal. Infestations can often be managed with applications of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. In some southern regions, nematodes can also pose a problem.

Boxwoods may be susceptible to various fungal diseases, including blights and leaf spots. Root rot can occur if plants are grown in poorly drained soils. Ensuring good air circulation and proper soil drainage can help prevent these issues.

Addressing Common Boxwood Issues

Understanding Winter Bronzing

A frequent concern with boxwoods is “winter bronzing,” a condition where the foliage temporarily changes to a reddish-brown or yellowish hue. This is typically caused by exposure to winter sun and drying winds.

To mitigate winter bronzing, ensure plants are well-watered throughout the growing season, particularly in autumn before the ground freezes. Applying an anti-desiccant spray in late fall (e.g., November) and again in mid-winter (e.g., late January) can also help reduce moisture loss from leaves.

Erecting a temporary windbreak or sun shield using burlap can offer additional protection, especially for young or exposed plants. Some gardeners, however, do not find the temporary color change objectionable, as foliage typically regreens in spring.