how to plant boxwood hedge

Steps For Planting Boxwood

Dig a hole as deep as the root ball (you can use the container it comes in as a guide) and twice as wide as the root ball.
Carefully remove the shrub from its container, gently loosen its roots, and place it in the hole so that you can see at least 2 inches of the root ball above ground level.

How long does it take to grow a boxwood hedge?

How fast do boxwood grow? Overall, boxwood has a very slow growth rate that's typically 6 inches or less per year. Boxwoods can be broken down into growth rates of slow, medium and fast — although keep in mind that even the fast growth rate of boxwood varieties is quite slow in comparison to other landscape shrubs.

How do you plant boxwoods?

They prefer well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Mulchwith an inch or so of chopped leaves to help keep soil cool (but don't heap mulch against the stems). Once established, boxwood shrubs are very drought-tolerant. Most cultivars will grow in full sun to a half day of shade.

Which boxwood is best for a hedge?

The English boxwood is a dwarf variety of the same species, Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'. It has denser growth, is slower growing and takes years to reach 3 or 4 feet in height. It is the perfect choice for a low hedge, 8 to 18 inches tall, that could edge flower beds or pathways.

How far apart do you plant a hedge?

We recommend planting Leylandii, Laurel and most other evergreen shrubs* between 60cm and 100cm apart (approximately 2-3 feet apart). Hedges with plants 60cm apart "fill in" quicker than those planted 100cm apart but you get just as good a hedge in the long run at either distance apart.

Do boxwoods like sun or shade?

Prune back all dying branches to healthy wood, remove all debris from the center of the plant, and thin out some of the outside growth so that air and light can reach the center. Exposure: Boxwoods thrive in full sun or light shade, but they don't like exposed, very windy sites, particularly in winter.

How far apart should you plant boxwood shrubs?

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.

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.

What can I plant behind boxwoods?

Companion Planting and Design

Boxwood creates a green backdrop for colorful perennial flowers, such as salvia, black-eyed Susan and veronica, and annual flowers, such as zinnias, cosmos and cleome. Mix and match flowering shrubs, such as potentilla and dwarf spirea, with boxwoods.

Do boxwoods stay green all year?

A. Many varieties of boxwood retain their green color during the winter months; others will turn off-color. ... Some boxwoods that are prized for retaining their green color throughout most winters are 'Wintergreen', 'Green Velvet', 'Green Mountain', and 'Glencoe'.

What happens if you plant shrubs too close together?

Shrubs and trees that outgrow their space often have trouble getting the nutrients they need and therefore become more susceptible to pest and disease problems.

What is the most hardy boxwood?

insularis are considered the hardiest of all boxwood. Buxus semper. virens, common box, is hardy to zone 6 (Krussmann 1984) and has a greater stature than the preceding species. The large, dark green leaves remain evergreen all year.

How can I make my boxwood grow faster?

I always plant 5-7 stems together, just to achieve an instant “shrub” effect. And plunge the stems directly into the ground. Firm the soil around them. Boxwood will grow in any decent soil, but it will grow faster in earth which has been loosened and amended with leaf mold or compost.

How far apart should hornbeams be planted for a hedge?

What Spacing Should a Hornbeam Hedge be planted at? 3 plants per metre, 33cms apart, in a single row is fine for most hedges. You can plant a staggered double row at 20-25 cms apart if you want it to be stockproof.

What is the fastest growing hedge?

Leylandii - Green

Leylandii is a fast-growing hedge plant that has the quickest growth rate of approximately 75-90cm per year. Leylandii, also known as Cupressocyparis, is a stunning hedge plant that will add elegance to your garden.

Does Hazel make a good hedge?

Hedging - Hazel makes a great hedge taking well to trimming and providing a dense screen. Nut production is not as high as when grown as free standing plants but some nuts can be harvested from the hedge.

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

Is Boxwood poisonous to dogs?

A boxwood is a flowering evergreen tree and is most often used in gardens or yards as shrubs or dividers. ... The Boxwood Tree is from the Buxaceae plant family, and contains alkaloids, which are toxic to dogs. While the entire plant is toxic, the leaves are especially poisonous to dogs and other small animals.

Are boxwoods expensive?

Boxwood, or buxus in the botanical lingo, is a mainstay of formal gardens because it can be clipped into tidy shapes. ... Two downsides hurt boxwoods' appeal: They are slow growers, which makes them expensive in nurseries because of the cost of carrying them for several years until they are big enough to sell.

How far should bushes be from the house?

Small shrubs should be planted at least 2 feet from a house foundation, medium shrubs about 3 feet and tall shrubs 4 to 5 feet away. An 8-foot shrub next to a six foot shrub should be spaced about 7 feet apart. Spacing plants in hedges is another matter.

Can 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.

What can I plant next to my house foundation?

Trees Planted Near a Foundation

Dogwood.
Redbud.
Japanese maple.
Crepe myrtle.
Star magnolia.