Sprigs of boxwood affixed to florist wire form a crown of greenery over a silver epergne filled with lady apples. Floral design is by Sybil Brooke Sylvester.
Photo:
Becky Luigart-Stayner
It’s hard not to see the appeal of these gorgeous shrubs. They lend framework to the garden through the winter months, and their glossy green leaves make nice clippings for holiday decorating. The tradition of bringing fresh boxwood indoors dates back to the 12th century. It seems our superstitious forebears believed that because the wood of the shrubs is so dense, evil spirits -- the harbingers of illness -- could not pass through. Thus boxwood became a popular foundation plant. Cut greens brought indoors offered even more protection. These days, the custom, if not the superstition, remains popular. Being prudent with the clippers will keep your plants healthy and happy throughout the year.
Thinning, a type of pruning that removes outer branches, is best done from late November to early December. Take cuttings randomly from around the shrub until some of the interior branches are visible. Thinning outside branches brings light to the interior of the shrub and promotes air circulation, both vital for new shoots. Before fashioning your boxwood clippings into wreaths or garlands, make new cuts on the ends of branches, and condition them in water in a cool place overnight.
Shearing involves trimming shrubs with electric or manual shears and is most often employed to achieve topiary forms or to
keep hedges neat. This type of pruning is stressful on boxwoods and should be done in late June to give multiple new shoots
time to harden before the first frost. If this sounds like a lot of work, keep in mind the ultimate size of the shrub when
planting. See “Boxwood Basics” below for species and their heights.
Though they prefer a partly shady location, boxwoods will tolerate full sun or shade as long as the soil is fertile, moist,
and well-drained. To plant, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Set the shrub only as deep as the root ball, and backfill
the hole with porous topsoil. Newly planted shrubs should be kept evenly moist. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of pine bark or pine
straw.
BOXWOOD BASICS
Common Species
American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): Slow growing; will reach 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. Use for hedges or prune into a small tree.
English boxwood (B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'): Slow growing; will reach 3 feet high. Good for edging and formal gardens.
Japanese boxwood (B. microphylla japonica): Faster growing; will reach 6 feet tall and wide; often used as a hedge in the coastal South.
Where to See
Agecroft Hall: Built in England in the 15th century, the home, now located in Richmond, Virginia, is surrounded by formal boxwoods. 804/353-4241, www.agecrofthall.com.
Broughton Castle: It was the location for Shakespeare in Love. Broughton, England; 011-44-129-527-6070; www.broughtoncastle.com.
Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens: Parterres are modeled after 18th-century French gardens. Washington, D.C.; 202/686-5807; www.hillwoodmuseum.org.
Sybil Brooke Sylvester, Wildflower Designs, 205/332-1311, www.wildflowerdesigns.net. For more on growing boxwoods, visit www.boxwoodsociety.org.
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