Caring For Boxwood Shrubs

Boxwood species have been used as hedges, borders or fences for generations, as they are highly ornamental with their dense foliage and also low maintenance. You can shape them any way you want, so pruning is in order; it helps keep the plant healthy, by removing dead or diseased branches, but don’t be very severe.

These plants prefer well-drained soils, with pH between 6.

5 and 7.5. New shrubs should be planted in spring or fall, in a partially shaded area, with 18 inches in between them. Until they grow, you should water them thoroughly but don’t over water them in general, because they have shallow roots and are prone to root rot or infections like phytophthora.

Add compost, peat moss or manure and a layer of mulch will go a long way in keeping the required moisture level – add more mulch during summer to help maintain the soil cool.

If you want to plant a boxwood shrub in your garden, you should know that the American boxwood has grown in popularity lately, appreciated for its glossy foliage, though the English boxwood is still the favorite for landscaping and shaping because it has a low growth rate, needing less pruning, and it also bears blooms.

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