How to Buy the Best Boxwoods for Your Garden

Your Guide to buying the best Boxwoods

Overview

Boxwoods are an evergreen shrub that are a popular choice for landscaping. They provide a beautiful backdrop to any garden, and are easy to maintain with regular pruning. In this buying guide, we will discuss the key features to consider when purchasing boxwoods for your own garden. We will cover topics such as the different types of boxwoods available, the climate conditions they thrive in, and the best methods of caring for boxwoods over the years. With this guide, you will be equipped to find the perfect boxwoods for your garden and make sure they stay healthy for years to come.

Key features

  1. Variety – Boxwoods come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Be sure to research the different varieties available, in order to choose the best option for your specific needs and project.
  2. Hardiness Zone – Boxwoods are hardy plants, but they can still be affected by climatic conditions. Make sure to look up the hardiness zone for your area before purchasing a Boxwood, to ensure that it will survive in your climate.
  3. Light Requirements – Boxwoods require a certain amount of sunlight for proper growth. Be sure to check the light requirements of the variety you are interested in, before purchasing.
  4. Water Requirements – Boxwoods require regular watering, but how much and how often you need to water them will depend on the variety and your local climate. Research the water requirements for the variety you are interested in, before making your purchase.
  5. Soil Requirements – Boxwoods prefer slightly acidic soil, so make sure to test your soil before planting a Boxwood. If needed, you can amend the soil with fertilizer or mulch to meet the plant's needs.
  6. Pruning – Pruning is important for a Boxwood, as it helps to keep its shape and encourages new growth. Be sure to research proper pruning techniques for your variety of Boxwood.

See the most popular Boxwoods on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Drought tolerant: Boxwoods are highly drought tolerant and require very little water to thrive.
  • Versatile: Boxwoods can be used in many different landscape designs, from formal to informal.
  • Low maintenance: Boxwoods require minimal pruning and usually do not need to be fertilized.
  • Pest resistant: Boxwoods are relatively resistant to most pests and diseases, making them an ideal choice for green spaces.
  • Long lasting: Boxwoods can live for decades with proper care, making them a long-term investment for any yard.

Cons

  • Price: Boxwoods are generally quite expensive, and the price can vary depending on the size, type, and quality of the plants being purchased.
  • Susceptible to Pests and Diseases: Boxwoods can be subject to a variety of pests and diseases, including mites, aphids, and blight.
  • Needs Regular Pruning: To maintain a healthy shape, Boxwoods need to be pruned regularly, which can be a time-consuming task.
  • Difficult to Plant: Boxwoods can be difficult to plant, as they require careful placement and spacing.
  • Slow Growth Rate: Boxwoods tend to grow quite slowly, meaning that it may take some time for them to reach their desired size.
  • High Maintenance: Boxwoods require a good amount of maintenance in order to remain healthy, including regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

Best alternatives

  1. Leyland Cypress - A fast-growing evergreen tree with a pyramidal shape.
  2. Japanese Yew - An evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, dark green foliage.
  3. Juniper - A broadleaf evergreen shrub with a wide variety of shapes and colors.
  4. Holly - An evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, spiny leaves.
  5. Cotoneaster - An evergreen shrub with a dense growth habit and small white flowers.
  6. Viburnum - A deciduous shrub with glossy green foliage and fragrant white flowers.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Fertilizer – Nutrients for Boxwoods to grow and stay healthy.
  • Watering Can – For watering Boxwoods regularly.
  • Pruning Shears – For trimming Boxwoods to desired size.
  • Mulch – To help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds.
  • Pest Repellant – To protect Boxwoods from pests such as aphids and scale insects.
  • Soil Testing Kit – To check the pH level and nutrient content of the soil.

Common questions

  1. What are boxwoods? Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs native to North America and Europe, and are popular for landscaping and topiary gardens. They are highly adaptable plants that can thrive in a variety of climates, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
  2. What types of boxwoods are available? There are many different varieties of boxwood available, including American, English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Boxwoods. Each type is unique in its growth habit, size, foliage color, and texture.
  3. Where is the best place to plant boxwoods? Boxwoods should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They should also be kept away from high traffic areas and watered regularly. Planting them in raised beds can help ensure proper drainage.
  4. What type of care do boxwoods require? Boxwoods require regular pruning to maintain their shape and size, and should be fertilized twice a year to ensure healthy growth. Additionally, they should be watered deeply and consistently, and mulched to help retain moisture in the soil.
  5. How long do boxwoods live? Boxwoods can live for many years with proper care. They are relatively low-maintenance plants and can easily last over a decade with consistent pruning, watering, fertilizing, and mulching.

Trivia

One interesting fact about Boxwoods is that the leaves can be used to make tea. Boxwood tea is said to have a number of health benefits, such as treating colds and flu symptoms, relieving stress and improving digestion. Many people also believe that drinking Boxwood tea can reduce cholesterol levels. Tea made from Boxwood leaves is also believed to have antiviral and antifungal properties. The leaves of the Boxwood plant are particularly rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.