The Boxwood - Great For Formal Gardens And Landscape Areas

---

Boxwoods are best known in a formal garden. A great evergreen and one of the oldest and most appreciated shrubs. English gardens over the years have been admired with the many different varieties of this plant specimen. In reality, the boxwood can be used anywhere in your landscape. It's primary functions serves as hedges and borders. They can grow anywhere from zones four through eight. One of the most durable aspect of this shrub is that the leaves maintain their color throughout the year. Ranging from light to dark green and creating a soft look in any garden. This plant species originated in Europe and through the course of history of English gardens, made its way to the Colonial gardens in the USA. Many botanical gardens around the world show off this delightful shrub. Below are photos of six different varieties of the Boxwood with a brief description.

The Japanese grows well in zones six through nine. This variety is known to thrive in the coastal areas, and does extremely well in the southern part of the United States. The Japanese will grow anywhere from one to four feet tall and three to four feet wide. The leaves have deep rich green tones and their shape is fairly rounded. It tends to be a slow grower, but will do better then some of the other varieties. The Japanese is great for a formal walkway.

The Wintergreen or Korean is the most hardy of this evergreen family. It can grows well in zones four to eight. The Wintergreen is a slow grower and will mature three to four feet in height, and three to five feet in width. The Wintergreen also has round foliage and is not as compact as other Boxwoods. I have planted the Korean in a small bed surrounded by other evergreen plants such as Ruby Loropetalum and a Mope Cypress. Also great for lining a natural pathway.



True Dwarf or Edging is a small variety that grows well in zones six through eight. The True Dwarf only grows two to two and a half inches high and two to three feet wide. It has very small leaves and is also considered to be a low maintenance shrub. True Dwarf is similar to the Korean and serves much of the same purpose in any garden. Great border plant as well as in a small area along a foundation where there may be a low deck, porch or window.

The Green Velvet is another excellent cold weather shrub. Does wonderful in zones five through eight and can take cold winters. It survives well in Canada and is a wonderful evergreen to create a topiary. To me, the Green Velvet is perfect for a formal garden. It will mature four feet high and four feet wide. The Velvet has a tight structure and vibrant deep green leaves.





English Variegated is one of my favorites. The small leaves of yellow and green maintain their shape and color. A great accented next to a Cypress or Arborvitae. It grows four feet high and four feet wide. A very slow grower and not a lot of maintenance. It stays pretty much in an upright position and will only need to be pruned periodically. Does well in zones five through nine. Browse through the garden project section including the formal garden look to see if the Boxwood is right for you. You can incorporate any assortment of this plant family in many different styles.

Most of the shrubs come in containers ranging from a one gallon to twenty gallon. They can also be purchased in ball and burlap.

One of the most popular Boxwoods is the Common or American. It can grow three to fifteen feet high and three to fifteen feet wide. Does very well in zones five through eight. The American is best known for its rounded shaped. When new foliage appears the ends are pointed. As it matures, the ends form a rounded shape. This shrub is famous for hedge rows as well as foundation planting. Can take part sun. Great shrub for accenting with variegated plants, and roses. The Wintergreen also comes in a ball and burlap. This is a great option if you want a more established tree.

Similar to the Holly shrub family, the Boxwoods do tend to get leggy if not properly pruned. Many gardeners will prune on a regular basis to keep the specific shape. Squaring or rounding the shrubs are very common. Take a look at pruning, and get tips on how to properly trim shrubs. This family can also accent many different outdoor features such as benches, statues, and fountains.