Boxwood Shrubs: How to Use Them for Landscaping
Boxwood shrubs are Shrubs from the box family which has been used by gardeners for landscaping for hundreds of years. There are numerous historical gardens which are well known for these shrubs. Bexus or Boxwood is basically a genre which comprises nearly 70 species. Classically, to make garden borders and hedges, boxwood was used particularly in English gardens but it can also be used as an accent plant. Gardeners can either make use of Boxwood shrubs themselves or use them in combination with other plants in order to form a foundation planting. These shrubs can be used as a screen, to separate one area from another or to define or enclose an area. They can be used as a background with other colorful plants.
Size
These shrubs are available in various mature sizes. A type of little leaf Boxwood, Apple Green is of 12-24 inch while a Japanese Boxwood cultivar known as Morris Midget is even smaller. Some common Boxwood cultivars which grow about 6 feet tall are Edgar Anderson and Aurea Pendula. Japanese, common, Fastigiata and National Boxwood are some other types of boxwood which can grow about 12 feet tall if they are not pruned.
Geography
The native range of common boxwoods shrubs includes southern Europe, northern parts of Africa and western sections of Asia. In these regions, this type of boxwood grows on the hillsides, open woodlands and in the wild. Some boxwood can easily survive in the cold as well such as Japanese Boxwood Shrubs.
Growing conditions
A wide array of boxwood grows well in damp and cool soil. Mulch can also be placed around the roots. As the roots are shallow, other plants cannot thrive below the boxwood shrub. There are very little side effects of pruning on Boxwood unless it is done late in the growing season which eventually exposes the shrubs to winter damage. In some exposed locations, the winter winds can cause harm to these shrubs. Nevertheless, it is easy to transplant these shrubs from the containers.
Forms
These shrubs are available in multiple forms. Some of them can form globes while some form columns. Some of the varieties only lie on the ground in a prostrate manner. The growth of different varieties also varies such as some shrubs grow very quickly while some have a very slow rate. Pyramids and weeping shapes can also be formed in some cases. Most of the varieties sport a dense texture and tiny foliage.
Boxwood Planting
Boxwoods should be planted in well-drained soil. They should not be planted in a wet area and instead should be in the partial sun. They can tolerate the sunlight if it is not too strong. The hole should be dug wide but should not go deeper than the roots as it may kill the plant. For a quick growth, rich loamy soil should be used around the root ball. The soil should be firmed and watered properly. A regular watering routine is beneficial as it moistens the entire root ball. In this manner, the plant will have a healthy growth while less watering may stress it. Mulch, pine needles, bark, and wood chips can be added to keep the roots cool and moist. Boxwoods also need to be fertilized twice during the growing season.
Boxwood Pruning
To keep the shrubs in the right shape which suits your landscape, they have to prune and sheared. This will boost the density and compactness of the plant and will enable it to develop more thickness and branches. Dead, diseased or dying branches also have to be removed. However, care should be taken as over shearing and pruning can damage the shrubs. Other plants should not be planted near boxwood as their roots are shallow and require more space.
Types of Boxwood Shrubs
There is a multitude of boxwood shrubs which can be used for designing the landscape. Some of the most common types are listed below:
- American Boxwood: It is being used in American gardens since colonial times. It can deal with the cold and thrives in various light conditions and different varieties of soil.
- English Boxwood Shrubs: Also known as true dwarf Boxwood, it grows very slowly and has tiny leaves. It grows about 3 feet tall and has a fine texture.
- Japanese Boxwood: These are quick growing species which are about 8 feet tall. It also has different forms which can be used for different purposes.
- Chinese or Korean Boxwood: These also include different cultivars which can survive colder temperatures and have been in use since the 1960s. They mostly grow about 6 feet tall.
Boxwoods are commonly used all over the world for landscaping for good reason. They are easy to plant and maintain and let you quickly and easily create clear natural borders on your landscape. Visit your local brewery today to see if you can start to use any of these on your property today.
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