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Boxwood: 4 Common Types

4 Common Types of Boxwood

Boxwood is a precious evergreen shrub widespread in the U.S. Boxwood is known for its dense foliage. Boxwoods are native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Their scientific name is Buxus. Buxus is a genus of about 70 species in the family Buxaceae.

As said, there are many types. And their characteristics and requirements will change from boxwood to boxwood.

In this article, we will provide important information about boxwoods, and you will learn about some types of boxwoods and how to care for them.

4 Types of Boxwoods & Their Characteristics:

4 Types of Boxwoods

1. Pyramidal Boxwood

Also known as American pyramidal boxwood, these attractive shrubs grow fast, around 3 to 6 inches annually. At maturity, they can measure up to 12 feet tall, with a spread of 8 feet.

As its name suggests, it has a peculiar pyramidal form that makes it perfect for privacy when planted in a row. Pyramidal boxwood can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

2. American Boxwood

This is the most common in the USA. American boxwood is an evergreen shrub that will grow for around 3 to 5 inches yearly.

American boxwood has slight spring blooms, and its tolerance to cold weather is a characteristic that makes it very popular in northern regions. The leaves are waxy and dark green, with pale undersides. With optimal conditions, American boxwood will live for 25 to 30 years.

3. Green Gem Boxwood

American Boxwood

Because of its compact size, this shrub is ideal for tight spaces. It has slow growth and measures up to 2 feet high in a globe shape.

Finding space in your landscape for the Green Gem Boxwood is easy. Its compact size allows it to be used where other common Boxwood varieties may outgrow it. This shrub’s life expectancy is 30 years.

4. Green Velvet Boxwoods

Green Velvet Boxwoods

They are vigorous and fast-growing. They grow in rounded shapes but can be easily shaped into several forms.

The leaves are relatively small, but the plant has so many branches laden with leaves that it effectively creates a dense, green wall of foliage.

Green Velvet Boxwoods usually grow in a size of 2-4 feet every year. In ideal conditions, they can have a lifespan of approximately 30 years.

The Green Velvet Boxwood is grown as a perennial in USDA zones 4 through 9.

Are Boxwoods Good for Your Landscape?

Landscaping of a garden with green lawn decorative plants and shaped boxwood

Of course!

People looking to enhance their landscape’s beauty should always consider planting boxwoods.

One of the reasons boxwoods are one of the most popular landscape options is their versatility and ease of management.

Additionally, since most boxwoods are very tall and have dense foliage, some types, such as pyramidal boxwoods, can serve as a privacy barrier when planted in a row, making them good landscaping plants.

Pro Tip

When you finish selecting the ideal type of boxwood for your landscape, consider what to plant in front of your boxwood. It will improve the overall aesthetic, turning your landscape into a paradise.

Boxwood Turning Yellow?

When boxwoods start turning yellow “for no reason,” it is probably because they are stressed because they are not under ideal conditions. Here is how to take care of them to revitalize them and keep them vigorous:

Soil

Boxwoods are very resistant and work well in many types of soil. However, they do not tolerate wet feet. So, if you are about to plant this attractive plant for your landscape, ensure that it is done as long as the soil is well-drained to avoid oversoaking the root ball and causing root rot.

Fertilizer

Boxwoods need to be fertilized. And the best time to do it is in the late fall or early spring.

But what fertilizer does boxwood need?

A slow-release, granular fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio in the region of 10-6-4 is recommended for boxwoods.

Products like Jobe’s Evergreen Spikes or Tree-Tone will provide the nutrients your shrubs require to grow healthier and more robust.

Light & Water

Light and water are crucial factors for the health of boxwood plants. Boxwoods thrive in well-draining soil and require regular watering to maintain adequate moisture levels. They need to be deep-watered at least once a week.

They prefer partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth. Adequate light allows for proper photosynthesis and development, while water ensures nutrient uptake, promoting lush and vibrant boxwood foliage and enhancing their overall resilience.

Enhance Your Landscape Beauty with Our Boxwood!

Trimmed Boxwood Bush

You can choose from several types of boxwood which you like the most and which fits your needs.

You can rest assured that it will enhance your landscape’s overall aesthetic, especially if you have other plants in front of it. Just ensure that you plant it in the proper soil and apply the right amount of water, light, and fertilizer, as mentioned before!

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