Japanese Boxwood Plant

November 14, 2024 Post a Comment

Japanese boxwood plant

A: We recommend the classy Buxus microphylla, more commonly known as Japanese boxwood. It's an ideal low-maintenance shrub that can be manicured or trimmed occasionally for a more natural look. What we really like about this specimen is that it can take varying degrees of light and is drought-tolerant once established.

What's the difference between boxwood and Japanese Boxwood?

The English/American boxwood differs from the Japanese/Korean boxwoods in many ways, but the easiest way to tell is that the tip of the leaf is pointed, while Asian boxwoods have a rounded point with a small indentation at the very tip (like the shape of a rounded "W").

Is Japanese Boxwood a good hedge?

Japanese boxwood is a good hedge plant, especially for a low-maintenance shrub with year-round curb appeal. Japanese boxwood plants tend to be more hardy and disease resistant than common boxwood. These plants should only be used for small-medium-height hedges, usually in the range of 18″ to 3 feet tall.

Are Japanese boxwoods full sun?

The Japanese Boxwood is one of the least desirable snacks around for deer! This variety is hardy from USDA Zones 6-9 (between -10 to 0°F) once fully established in your landscape. It grows well in Full Sun to Partial Shade. Plant in average garden soil with good drainage.

What happens if you don't trim boxwoods?

They thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, depending on the cultivar, and you can easily shape them as they grow. But boxwoods can grow unwieldy if not properly pruned and can grow out of bounds.

Do Japanese Boxwood stay green in winter?

As popular and lovely as they may be, most boxwood shrubs have a habit of having their shiny green foliage turn to a shade of bronze and even brown, during harsh winter months.

Do Japanese boxwoods stay green all year?

Buxus microphylla var. japonica 'Green Beauty' (Japanese Boxwood) is a dense and compact evergreen shrub with a lush foliage of small, glossy, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. The foliage retains its rich color most of the year, becoming bronze-tinged in cold winter weather.

Which is better Japanese Boxwood or wintergreen boxwood?

Wintergreen boxwood is more cold hardy than the Japanese cultivar, and can be grown in Zones 4-9. Wintergreen is better at keeping its dark green color all winter, too. The flowers of wintergreen boxwood are yellowish green, but, like the Korean variety, inconspicuous and of little interest.

Do Japanese boxwoods smell?

Yes, boxwoods do have a scent; it's caused when the sun heats the oil in their leaves.

Do Japanese Boxwood need a lot of water?

Water Boxwood Wisely Water plants slowly and deeply only when needed. In the first year, newly planted boxwood will require regular irrigation – weekly or more during hot, dry weather. Second year plants are still developing a healthy root system and will continue to require water if rainfall is inadequate.

How often do you water Japanese boxwoods?

Water your plants regularly. When boxwoods are becoming established, they need deep waterings regularly (at least once a week). After a few years, you can scale your deep waterings back to every two to four weeks (though hotter climates may still require regular weekly waterings).

How long does it take for Japanese Boxwood to grow?

How Fast Do Japanese Boxwoods Grow? The Japanese Boxwood growth rate is slow – less than 12 inches per year. Since these boxwood's rate of growth is so slow, it may take a few years for a seedling to grow into a privacy shrub, so it's best to start with a larger plant.

Do Japanese boxwoods grow fast?

How fast do boxwood grow? Overall, boxwood has a very slow growth rate that's typically 6 inches or less per year.

Do boxwoods need to be covered in winter?

It is best to prepare boxwood for winter with a nice layer of mulch, making sure the crown of the plant is not planted or covered too deeply. Moderate winter snowfall can also insulate the plant through the winter. Very large or heavy snowfall should be removed from the plant to not cause breakage or other damage.

How far from the house should I plant boxwoods?

Boxwoods should be planted 2 to 3 feet away from the house. Dwarf boxwoods should be planted 2 feet from the house while larger boxwoods such as Winter Gem boxwoods should be planted 3 feet from the house. Never plant boxwoods too close to downspouts.

Is October too late to trim boxwoods?

You can trim boxwoods at any time of year, but you should avoid heavy shearing or pruning during the late fall and winter months, even if you live in an area where snow isn't a factor.

What month should you trim boxwoods?

As mentioned above, the best time to prune boxwood is in the late winter to early spring, before the plant breaks dormancy and begins flushing. This is typically late February to mid-March in central Virginia.

What is the best time of year to trim a boxwood?

The best time for overall pruning to shape boxwoods is in the early spring. However, trimming stray branches and thinning cuts can be done anytime during the growing season.

How do you take care of Japanese boxwoods?

Japanese Boxwood Care Do not trim more than 25% deep into the shrub for the best appearance. Water very deep into the ground, twice a week regularly the first year. Once a week watering the 2nd year. And after that it should require little watering except during long periods of drought.

How do you winterize boxwoods?

Cover with a heavy layer of compost and mulch. Then you have a few options for protecting them from high winds and deep snowfall: Tie cut evergreen branches or burlap sacks around them. Create a hinged wooden “sandwich board,” or a teepee of bamboo supports and burlap over the plants.