Boxwoods

Merrifield sells approximately 25 cultivars of boxwood. The variations and cultivars derive from one of two species, either Buxus microphylla, the Littleleaf Boxwood, or Buxus sempervirens, the Common Boxwood. All boxwoods are evergreen. Depending on the cultivar they can be used for hedges, edging situations, foundation plants, formal gardens, topiary and container plantings.

LOCATION:

Boxwoods do best in full sun to partial shade locations. They prefer neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil and protection from drying winds and extremely cold temperatures. If you plan to put other plants around your boxwoods, plant those other plants before the boxwood matures in order to avoid damaging the shallow roots of the mature boxwood.
 

PLANTING AND WATERING:

Properly prepared, well-drained soil is essential to establishing and growing boxwoods. Incorporate a generous amount of Super Fines Soil Conditioner into the existing clay soil at planting time (1/3 amendments to 2/3 existing soil). In addition, the soil should be amended with Garden Lime to increase the Ph to 7 or slightly higher. If the plant is pot bound, cut the root ball with a sharp knife from top to bottom and loosen the roots. Plant the boxwood with one to two inches of the root ball above the ground to ensure good drainage. Place 1"-2" of mulch on top of the roots to help keep the

soil moist and prevent the roots from drying out. Boxwood roots prefer to be kept cool, so spring/summer mulching with leaf compost is recommended.
 

FERTILIZATION:

A good, slow release fertilizer such as Merrifield Tree & Shrub Food is recommended. Fertilize in the early spring.
 

PRUNING:

Boxwoods have a dense branching habit and need to be thinned to allow light and air into the interior of the plant and to encourage the growth of new foliage within the canopy. To avoid disease problems, it is important to remove old, dead leaves that accumulate inside the plant. The best time to thin boxwood is early winter. The removed branches can be used to make holiday decorations.

When pruning the exterior, if you prefer to have a very natural look, prune in early spring, prior to the new growth; this will allow the new growth to come in naturally. If you prefer a more manicured appearance, pruning should be done in early summer, after the new growth has appeared. The new foliage on boxwoods is prone to winter damage, so avoid pruning between August and November.

Winter damage to established boxwood leaves will be minimized by making sure that they are well watered before the ground freezes and by spraying with Wilt Pruf in