Images Depict Mature Plants
American Boxwood
Buxus sempervirens
American Boxwoods offer year-round beauty with their dense, evergreen foliage, making them ideal for formal hedges, topiaries, and foundation plantings. Their cold-hardiness, deer resistance, and low-maintenance needs make them a versatile and reliable choice for enhancing both traditional and modern landscapes.
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American Boxwood is a classic evergreen shrub prized for its elegant appearance and versatility in landscape design. With its dense, glossy green foliage and slow-growing nature, this boxwood is ideal for creating formal hedges, topiaries, or foundation plantings. American Boxwood typically grows 5 to 10 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for both low borders and larger privacy screens. Its upright, rounded growth habit offers year-round structure and beauty, whether used as a standalone specimen or grouped in mass plantings for a more dramatic effect.
This cold-hardy boxwood thrives in USDA zones 5-9, tolerating a range of climates while retaining its rich green color through winter. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and does well in full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various garden conditions. Regular watering ensures strong root development, especially during its first growing season. Once established, American Boxwood is moderately drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.
Whether you want to add structure to your garden or create a timeless, formal hedge, American Boxwood is a reliable choice for any landscape. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, while its deer resistance makes it a practical option for areas with frequent wildlife. With its ability to enhance both traditional and modern garden designs, American Boxwood offers elegance, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscape professionals alike.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 10 to 12 Feet if untrimmed |
| Mature Width: | 8 to 10 Feet if untrimmed |
| Classification: | Evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Upright |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
How to Care for American Boxwood
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy American Boxwood plant for years to come!
How do I plant American Boxwoods?
To plant American Boxwoods, start by choosing a location with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root system, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Carefully place the boxwood in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently tamp it down to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly to help settle the roots and provide essential moisture. If you're planting multiple boxwoods for a hedge, space them 2 to 3 feet apart to allow enough room for growth while creating a dense, attractive border. After planting, mulch around the base of the American Boxwoods to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool, especially in hotter climates. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system, but be cautious not to overwater, as boxwoods prefer well-drained conditions. Once established, they become moderately drought-tolerant. Additionally, adding compost or organic matter at planting can improve soil quality and help the boxwoods thrive in the long term. With proper planting and care, your American Boxwoods will provide a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to your landscape for years to come.
How do I water American Boxwoods?
To properly water American Boxwoods, focus on providing deep, thorough watering to encourage strong root development, especially during the first year after planting. Water the boxwood once a week, ensuring that the moisture penetrates at least 6 to 8 inches into the soil. It’s important to water at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. During hot or dry periods, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out, but be careful not to overwater, as American Boxwoods prefer well-drained conditions. Once established, American Boxwoods become moderately drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. Check the soil moisture by digging a few inches into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Mulching around the base of the boxwood helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering. In times of drought or extreme heat, occasional deep watering is still necessary to maintain the boxwood’s health and keep its foliage vibrant. Consistent, proper watering practices will ensure your American Boxwoods stay lush and healthy year-round.
How do I fertilize American Boxwoods?
To fertilize American Boxwoods, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. Choose a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio around 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 to provide the nutrients needed for healthy root development and lush foliage. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount based on the size of the boxwood. After applying the fertilizer, water thoroughly to help the nutrients reach the root zone, promoting steady growth throughout the season. In addition to spring feeding, you can apply a second, lighter feeding in mid-summer if your American Boxwoods are growing in poor soil or showing signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing or sparse foliage. Organic amendments like compost or well-rotted manure can also be added around the plant to improve soil quality and provide a slow-release source of nutrients. Regular fertilization ensures that American Boxwoods maintain their dense, vibrant foliage and overall health, making them a standout feature in your garden or landscape for years to come.
How Should I Prune My American Boxwood?
To prune American Boxwood, start by performing a light pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and the overall health of the shrub. If you're shaping your boxwood into a formal hedge or topiary, lightly trim the outer edges to maintain its desired form. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant at a time, as over-pruning can stress the boxwood and slow down its growth. Regular pruning encourages denser foliage, giving your boxwood a fuller and more polished appearance. For ongoing maintenance, consider light pruning in the summer to keep your American Boxwood looking tidy and in shape. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter cold. Instead, focus on gentle shaping throughout the growing season, making small cuts to maintain the plant’s structure. Additionally, thin the interior branches periodically to allow light and air to reach the center of the plant, which reduces the risk of disease. By following these pruning practices, your American Boxwood will stay healthy, vibrant, and beautifully shaped year-round.
