Are you looking for a way to spruce up your yard this season? Look no further! Boxwood shrubs are the perfect addition to your garden, whether you're aiming for a more traditional or modern look. Not only do these durable plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they can also thrive in both sunny and shady environments. From small hedges that line pathways to stately accent pieces that offer privacy, there is surely a type of boxwood suitable for your needs!
Read on to take an in-depth look at some popular varieties of this lush greenery and learn how each one grows, their unique characteristics, and why they might be just what you've been seeking!
Littleleaf Boxwoods
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Littleleaf boxwood, or Buxus microphylla, is a popular shrub for gardens and landscaping around the world. With its dense foliage and hardy nature, this elegant bush is perfect for those looking to add interest and color to their outdoor space without too much effort. Here are some cultivars.
'Peergold' or 'Golden Dream'
The Buxus microphylla 'Peergold,' commonly known as 'Golden Dream,' is the perfect choice for adding a unique pop of color to your garden. With its eye-catching variegated golden foliage, it will instantly inject life and vibrancy into your landscape.
Grow this gorgeous evergreen shrub in full sun or part shade and enjoy watching as its rounded form grows up to three feet tall. Plus, this hardy plant is highly resistant to leaf miners and can survive even in areas with deer or rabbit activity! Finally, planting 'Peergold' in evenly moist loam helps ensure you get the most out of its beautiful blooms.
'Green Beauty'
The Buxus microphylla 'Green Beauty' is an ideal selection for creating a natural, low-maintenance hedge in your garden. This medium-sized, bush-type boxwood grows fast and dense, reaching up to 5 feet tall and wide. It's hardy in zones 6 to 9, tolerant of pollution, and reasonably drought resilient. Perfect for busy gardeners who don't have time to fuss over their plants! The greenish-cream blooms appear between March and April, adding subtle color to your landscape.
This versatile plant can thrive in either full sun or part shade -- as long as it is in well-draining soil. It's also rabbit and deer tolerant, so you won't have to worry about unwanted visitors munching on your hedge. However, the 'Green Beauty' is highly susceptible to leaf miners, so check on your shrub often and treat as needed.
Korean Boxwoods
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Korean boxwood is a small evergreen shrub native to China and Taiwan. It can thrive in difficult environments and its glossy foliage makes it an ideal choice for creating low-maintenance landscapes or formal gardens.
'Wintergreen'
Introducing Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Wintergreen,' the perfect choice for creating a unique and beautiful garden!
This slow-growing Korean boxwood cultivar does especially well in colder climates (growing in zones 4 to 9). The low growing height of 2 to 4 feet makes this shrub an ideal addition to a yard. Plus, your family and friends will love the pop of greenish-yellow flowers that come with April blooms.
When planting 'Wintergreen,' choose a spot with full sun or part shade and well-draining soil with medium moisture.
'Winter Gem'
If you're looking for a reliable hedge, ground cover, or ornamental plant that will thrive in a garden setting, then try the Japanese boxwood. Buxus sinica var. insularis 'Winter Gem' is the perfect choice to go with! This hardy evergreen shrub matures to a rounded 3 feet tall, making it an ideal option for adding color and texture to your home landscape.
Additionally, its resilient nature allows it to grow in zones 5 to 9, meaning winter won't be too much of a problem for this tough little gem. The cultivar name 'Winter Gem' aptly signifies its resistance to winter bronzing of leaves, which makes it stand out amongst other boxwood varieties. As long as you provide it with full sun to part shade and well-draining soil, this stunning shrub will happily bloom in April with its yellowish-green flowers.
American Boxwood
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American boxwood, or Buxus sempervirens, is an amazingly versatile and attractive evergreen shrub. With its dense foliage and delicate yellow-green hue, it adds a touch of natural beauty to a landscape.
It's also extremely durable and can thrive in most types of soil and sunlight or light shade conditions. Perfect for topping off your garden with a flourish of greenery, American boxwood stands tall at 15 feet, which provides excellent privacy screening when planted near windows or patios.
Pro Tip: You can use this species in topiary structures, or other decorative landscaping designs for the perfect finishing touch.
'Suffruticosa'
Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (also known as English or dwarf boxwood) is the perfect way to spruce up your garden with a low-maintenance shrub. This slow-growing, compact shrub rarely grows over 3 feet tall and has small leaves that are less than 1 inch.
Its dense growth makes it an ideal choice for parterres and edging plants, adding texture and beauty to a landscape design. For best results, plant this hardy shrub in evenly moist loamy soil in full sun to part shade. With minimal care and maintenance, you can enjoy years of lush greenery from this versatile dwarf cultivar!
Box(wood) It Out!
Boxwood shrubs are a great way to add some life to your yard. With so many types available, you're sure to find one that fits both your aesthetic and practical needs.
Do your research before deciding, as each type of boxwood has different sunlight and water requirements. However, with a little bit of planning, you can have the garden of your dreams in no time! Thanks for reading and share this article with your fellow green thumbs. Leave a comment below letting everyone know which type of boxwood you'll be adding to your home this year!