How to Grow Beautiful Boxwood Shrubs

Growing Zones:

5 to 9 for most, with a few varieties hardy to Zone 4.

How big do boxwoods get?

Varieties range from 1 to 20 feet tall, 2 to 8 feet wide.

Do boxwoods like sun or shade?

They prefer partial or dappled shade, but can tolerate full sun — short of scorching mid-day sun. Overexposure to sun causes burning and bronzing of foliage. If planting in a brighter location, look for varieties that may be more tolerant of sun, such as ‘Morris Midget’.

Do boxwoods bloom?

Small, insignificant, yellow-green flowers bloom in spring.

Color and characteristics:

Mainly grown for their foliage; their leaves grow opposite, are lance-shaped to almost rounded, and are leathery to the touch. Many have darker blue-green foliage, others are a paler green color, and some have variegated leaves.

Are boxwoods toxic?

Boxwood bushes contain an alkaloid that is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, as well as humans. Contact with the sap can cause skin irritation. (See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.)

When to plant:

Plant in fall or late winter to early spring.

Where to plant:

Different varieties have different needs, mainly with regard to exposure and cold hardiness, so plant them in a location that is appropriate for that particular variety.

One thing they all have in common is that they don’t tolerate standing water or soggy soil, so make sure they are in well-drained soil. Plant in an area that provides protection from winter wind and summer sun which can cause bronzing of the leaves.

How to plant:

The planting hole should allow the crown of the plant to sit slightly higher than soil level. Mound up soil to the base to keep water from pooling. If planted too deeply, they can become stressed and die.

With so many sizes, growth rates and habits it can be tough to decide which one is best. Here are a few recommendations:

For topiaries and globes, groundcover, or rock gardens: Dwarf English boxwoods work well because their dense form and slow growth rate mean less pruning and maintenance. Fast-growers may outgrow their shape quickly and need continual upkeep. (Staff picks: Buxus sempervirens North Star®, B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' and B. ‘Green Velvet’)

For hedges and edging: Use moderate to fast-growing varieties and plant at half the distance recommended. (Staff picks: Buxus microphylla Sprinter®, B. microphylla var. japonica ‘Green Beauty’ and B. sinica var. insularis ‘Winter Gem’)

For spirals and cones: Use taller, more vigorous plants that have a naturally conical or columnar shape. (Staff picks: Buxus ‘Green Mountain’ and B. Green Tower)

For colder zones: Korean boxwoods (B. sinicas var. insularis) survive well in lower temperatures, making them the best choice for cold climate gardens.

Photo by: Lee Snider Photo Images / Shutterstock.

One of the most versatile plants in any landscape, the opportunities to use them are nearly endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Create a border along a property line, walkway or garden bed.
• Cover up unsightly foundation lines.
• Define outdoor spaces with low or medium boxwood hedges.
• Excellent choice for year-round container displays.
• Accentuate entrances, driveways or gateways with manicured specimens.
• Add some whimsy to your garden, patio or porch with a fun topiary shape.
• Plant with companions such as spirea, maiden grass, coneflower, liatris, Oso Easy® roses, rhododendrons and peonies.

Leaves affected by boxwood blight. Photo Courtesy of A. Windham / University of Tennessee.

What is boxwood blight?

Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and branches of boxwood plants. First reported in the United States in 2011, it has now been detected in 27 states and continues to spread.

What are the signs of boxwood blight?

One of the first signs is light to dark brown circles with darker borders on the leaves. Plants drop their leaves quickly after being infected, so this stage is often missed. Dark brown to black streaks may also appear on stems.

Does boxwood blight kill boxwood shrubs?

The disease doesn’t directly affect the roots, so plants may grow back. However, boxwood blight weakens plants and makes them susceptible to other pests and diseases. It is these secondary infestations and infections that usually kill the plants.

What should I plant instead if blight is a problem in my area?

If you live in an area that is affected, Gem Box® and Strongbox® inkberry hollies can be great boxwood alternatives. Both are native evergreens that grow similarly in size, shape, and texture, and provide better resistance to disease and winter damage.