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Wintergreen Boxwood Shrubs for Sale Online
Wintergreen Boxwood is a versatile, evergreen shrub known for its dense, compact growth and vibrant green foliage that stays lush year-round. This hardy Buxus microphylla var. japonica variety is ideal for creating formal hedges and borders or as a low-maintenance foundation plant. Growing to a mature height of 2 to 4 feet, Wintergreen Boxwood offers a neat, rounded shape that can be easily pruned to maintain its form. Its vibrant green leaves remain rich even in winter, making it an attractive choice for landscapes requiring consistent greenery.
Thriving in full sun to partial shade, Wintergreen Boxwood is highly adaptable to various soil conditions as long as it is well-drained. This cold-hardy boxwood is particularly resistant to winter bronzing, a common issue with other boxwood varieties, making it an excellent choice for regions with colder climates. It is also deer-resistant, making it ideal for areas where deer are prevalent. Wintergreen Boxwood brings elegance and structure to any landscape, whether used as a formal hedge, a standalone shrub, or as part of a mixed border.
In addition to its visual appeal, Wintergreen Boxwood requires minimal maintenance. It only needs occasional pruning to maintain its shape and a light application of fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth. Its slow to moderate growth rate means less frequent trimming is needed to keep it looking its best. With its year-round color, easy care, and adaptability, Wintergreen Boxwood is the perfect choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, evergreen shrub that enhances the beauty and structure of their garden.
Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
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Mature Height: | 2 to 4 Feet; less if trimmed |
Mature Width: | 4 to 5 Feet; less if trimmed |
Classification: | Evergreen shrub |
Sunlight: | Partial to full sun |
Habit: | Evergreen, dense foliage |
Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
Foliage: | New growth emerges bright green changing to dark green |
Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
How to Care for Wintergreen Boxwood
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy plant for years to come!
How do I plant Wintergreen Boxwoods?
To plant Wintergreen Boxwoods, start by selecting a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Gently place the boxwood in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the original soil, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the roots establish. For hedges or borders, space each Wintergreen Boxwood about 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of each Wintergreen Boxwood, making sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, which is especially important during the first growing season. Water regularly during the first year, especially during dry spells, to ensure the plant develops a strong root system. Once established, Wintergreen Boxwoods are low-maintenance and can thrive with minimal care, making them an excellent choice for formal hedges or foundation plantings.
How do I water Wintergreen Boxwood?
When watering Wintergreen Boxwood, it’s important to provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year as the plant establishes its root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. For optimal results, water at the base of the plant, allowing the moisture to penetrate the root zone. During particularly hot or dry conditions, you may need to increase the watering frequency. However, be cautious not to overwater, as Wintergreen Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if left in standing water. Once established, Wintergreen Boxwoods are more drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. Typically, watering once every 7 to 10 days is sufficient, especially if the plant is receiving natural rainfall. It's best to check the soil moisture before watering—if the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. In winter, Wintergreen Boxwoods need less water but should be monitored for dry conditions, as they are susceptible to winter drought. Proper watering will keep your Wintergreen Boxwood healthy and vibrant, maintaining its lush green foliage year-round.
How do I fertilize Wintergreen Boxwood?
To fertilize Wintergreen Boxwood, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula, in early spring before new growth begins. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, making sure to avoid direct contact with the trunk to prevent root burn. After applying the fertilizer, water thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. Fertilizing once a year in early spring is generally sufficient to promote healthy, lush foliage and steady growth throughout the season. For those who prefer an organic approach, compost or well-rotted manure can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Simply apply a thin layer of compost around the base of the Wintergreen Boxwood in early spring, ensuring that it is worked into the top few inches of soil. This organic method improves soil structure and provides a slow, steady release of nutrients. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as too much nitrogen can lead to overly vigorous growth that may require more frequent pruning. With the right fertilization routine, your Wintergreen Boxwood will maintain its vibrant green color and dense, compact form all year long.
How Do I Prune Wintergreen Boxwood Shrubs?
Pruning Wintergreen Boxwood shrubs is key to maintaining their compact, rounded form and ensuring healthy, dense growth throughout the growing season. The ideal time to prune Wintergreen Boxwoods is in late spring, once the new growth has started to mature. Begin by using clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as this helps improve the overall health of the shrub and prevents potential pests or diseases. To create a uniform, manicured shape, lightly trim the new growth, following the plant's natural lines. Be careful to avoid heavy pruning, as boxwoods are slow to regenerate from older, woody stems, and over-pruning can result in sparse areas. During the growing season, you can perform light trimming to maintain the desired shape of your Wintergreen Boxwood, especially if you are using it for a formal hedge or topiary. Focus on making selective cuts to maintain an even, rounded appearance without cutting too far into the older wood. If you want to promote healthy growth and airflow, thin out the plant by removing a few branches from overly dense areas, which will allow sunlight to reach the interior and reduce the risk of fungal disease. For a natural, softer look, avoid shearing and instead use pruning shears to selectively remove longer stems. Proper pruning of your Wintergreen Boxwood will ensure that it remains lush and full, providing a beautiful evergreen presence in your landscape year-round.