Are There Dwarf Boxwoods?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The dwarf English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens “Suffruticosa”), an evergreen shrub, gets to

around 3 feet tall

. … This shrub grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones of 6 through 8 in sandy loam. Boxwoods grow slowly and are useful in landscaping and gardens as accent pieces.

What are the smallest boxwoods?

Small-Leaved Boxwood


The ‘Compacta' cultivar, also sometimes called ‘Kingsville Dwarf

,' is the smallest boxwood variety. It grows very slowly, adding about 1/2 inch in height each year, and reaches a mature height of about a foot. Its leaves, at 1/2 inch long, are exceptionally small, too.

Are there miniature boxwoods?

A versatile evergreen shrub, (Buxus spp.) are used for low, clipped hedges in formal gardens, unclipped edgings or in mixed borders, as well as for container plants and topiaries. … Boxwoods also prefer partial shade, although they will grow in full sun.

Can you keep boxwoods small?

The top choices for low-growing hedges are that have been cultivated to stay compact, such as

dwarf English

( sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa'), Wee Willie (B. sinica var. insularis ‘Wee Willie') and ‘Morris Midget' (B. microphylla var.

Do boxwoods like sun or shade?

The boxwood can be grown as a standalone plant, in groups or as a hedge. Furthermore, the boxwood has been used in containers, topiaries and for bonsai purposes. They can thrive

in light shade as well as full sun

.

Do boxwoods stay green all year?

All varieties of boxwood are evergreen and if you prefer a low-maintenance splash of green there is probably a boxwood cultivar that will meet your size requirements for a shrub. … Boxwood wintergreen grows 3 to 4 feet high with dark green leaves that hold

their bold color all year

.

How far apart should you plant dwarf boxwoods?

Place the plants 2 feet apart. Those dwarf varieties that should be

2 to 3 feet apart

for a grouping or row of individual plants should be squeezed to more like 15 or 18 inches apart for a low hedge. Use a tape measure and string or spray paint to mark the line of your hedge.

How do you keep boxwoods small?


Boxwoods can be trimmed at any time of year

, but, for plant health, it's best to avoid shearing in the late fall. The new growth that appears after trimming boxwood bushes may not have time to harden off before frost. Shearing or trimming may be done with hand shears or with electric hedge clippers.

Is Epsom salt good for boxwoods?

Epsom salts contains about 10 percent magnesium and 13 percent sulfur, which helps make the foliage greener and sometimes larger and thicker. While Epsom salts can be sprinkled around the boxwood and watered in,

a homemade foliar spray gets better results

, according to the National Gardening Association.

Are boxwoods high maintenance?

Aside from watering and mulching, is

a low maintenance task

, unless you wish to keep them as a sheared hedge. Shearing, or pruning of boxwood, is the most time-consuming part of boxwood care when they are grown as a hedge, but you will be rewarded with a healthy, long-lasting hedge.

What can I plant next to boxwoods?


Thyme, Sage, Rosemary, Germander, Hosta, and similar plants

offer excellent textural contrast to Boxwoods. Choosing low-growing shrubs with lighter foliage colors is also a good option. It is a plus if those shrubs also grow colorful blooms and berries, all the more garden fun.

Will boxwoods grow back?



Boxwoods can be cut back pretty dramatically

and they'll re-grow nicely. … “But because boxwoods are very prone to winter damage, you want to time their pruning—especially a hard pruning—carefully. The best time is that period where the end of winter meets the beginning of Spring, just before the new growth appears.

What is the most hardy boxwood?


Littleleaf box (Buxus micro- phylla)

and its botanical variety, the Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. sinica var. insularis are considered the hardiest of all boxwood.

Where do boxwoods grow best?

Boxwoods are adapted to a wide range of light conditions. They tolerate heavy shade but will grow in full sun if the roots are in a good soil environment. Boxwoods should only be planted in

well-drained soils

. Never plant them near downspouts or in any area that stays wet.

Do boxwoods need a lot of water?

Watering Boxwood Shrubs

As a general rule,

one or two deep waterings per week is plenty during the plant's first year

, decreasing to once a week during the shrub's second growing season. Thereafter, watering a boxwood is necessary only during periods of hot, dry weather.

Should I cover my boxwoods in winter?

Evergreens such as boxwoods may lose moisture from their leaves in winter faster than their roots can replace it from frozen soil. They are especially vulnerable to drying out in freezing temperatures and cold winds. … It is

generally not necessary to protect boxwoods

with burlap except in certain circumstances.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.