Even if you're unfamiliar with them by name, you've likely seen Boxwood shrubs in landscapes across Northern Colorado and the Front Range. These shrubs are highly popular due to their low maintenance, easy-care, drought-tolerant nature. Many varieties are also deer-resistant, making them ideal for our arid, mountainous environments. Boxwood shrubs provide year-round visual interest since they do not lose their foliage or coloring during the cold winter months. It is for these many reasons that they are a favorite choice for Colorado yards and landscapes!
What Are Boxwood Shrubs?
Boxwood plants are evergreen shrubs known for their dense, bright, and shiny green foliage. They look like many other deciduous plants, but the wonder of boxwood shrubs is their ability to retain their foliage year-round. Depending on the variety of boxwood shrub, the foliage may remain green throughout the winter, adding color to otherwise barren-looking landscapes. Introduced to North America in the mid-1600s, they have earned a reputation for being hardy and low-maintenance, having very few issues or challenges they face. However, instances of boxwood blight, a fungal disease that can be challenging to treat, have been on the rise. To avoid this issue as much as possible, it is recommended to only purchase plants from reputable nurseries that take measures to ensure their plants remain healthy and free from fungus or disease.
What Are the Different Types of Boxwood Shrubs?
With hundreds of boxwood shrub varieties available, we will spotlight several of the most popular. You can shop these different types of boxwood shrubs in our on-site Garden Center and Nursery, or view different options online! Here are six boxwood shrub varieties that are ideal for planting in Colorado:
1. Chicagoland Green Boxwood (Buxus x 'Glencoe')
This boxwood variety features a fine texture that responds well to pruning and shearing, making it versatile for various shapes. Commonly used as a small hedge or in topiary (the art of shaping shrubs into ornamental forms), these plants thrive in well-draining soil and full to partial sun.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Partial to full sun
Height: 3-4 feet
Width: 4-5 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Attributes: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, easy-care, winter interest
2. Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus x 'Green Mountain')
This variety grows relatively quickly and naturally forms a cone shape if left unsheared. Its dense, upright growth makes it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens. It thrives in well-draining soil, is drought-tolerant, and performs best in full sun to partial shade.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Full sun
Height: 4-5 feet
Width: 3-4 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Attributes: Deer resistant, drought tolerant, easy-care, winter interest
3. Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus 'Green Velvet')
The Green Velvet Boxwood is a short and robust variety ideal for creating dense, low hedges. Its foliage remains a vibrant green throughout winter, adding seasonal interest and eye-catching beauty. This vigorous grower has a naturally rounded form when left unsheared.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Partial to full sun
Height: 3-4 feet
Width: 3-4 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Attributes: Attracts birds, deer resistant, winter interest
4. North Star Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
This more recently introduced boxwood variety is cold hardy and forms a dense globe of vibrant foliage. It requires minimal pruning and naturally forms a low, thick hedge. Its glossy dark green foliage retains its color well through winter. Ideal for border planting or short hedges, this beautiful evergreen offers year-round enjoyment in the landscape.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Partial sun, shade, sun
Height: 2-2.5 feet
Width: 2-2.5 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Bloom Color: Green
Attributes: Deer resistant, easy-care, winter interest, pet-friendly
5. Skywalker Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Skywalker')
The Skywalker Boxwood stands out as the quickest-growing variety among Boxwoods. With its columnar growth pattern, it can shoot up to 30 inches in a single growing season, eventually reaching heights of about 20 feet and widths of 6.5 feet. Thriving in well-drained, fertile soil, this plant tolerates various sun exposures, from full sun to shade. Low-maintenance and resistant to root disease, it's an ideal choice for a wide array of landscaping applications.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Partial sun, shade, sun
Height: 20 feet
Width: 6.5 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Attributes: Hedge, fast-growing, low maintenance
6. Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica 'Winter Gem')
This Boxwood shrub variety is a great choice for compact hedges. It ranks among the most resilient boxwoods, boasting lush green foliage that transitions to a golden-bronze shade in winter before reverting to its vibrant green hue come spring.
Plant Characteristics:
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light Requirements: Partial to full sun
Height: 4-6 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Foliage Color: Green
Attributes: Attracts birds, deer-resistant, winter interest
How To Plant Boxwood Shrubs
Like any plant, correct planting is crucial for ensuring the longevity and vitality of your boxwood shrub. Follow the steps outlined below to ensure your plants thrive and flourish.
1. Prepare Your Plant
Upon purchasing your boxwood shrub, it likely came in a plastic nursery container. Gently lay the plant sideways and work the container off the plant, employing techniques like gentle squeezing, twisting, or pulling. While some containers may slide off effortlessly, others might require more effort. If you cannot get the container to budge, carefully cut down either side of the plastic pot using sharp pruners. Once you have removed the plant from its container, observe if the roots of the plant are root-bound. If so, carefully loosen the roots, being careful to cause the least amount of damage or breakage as possible.
2. Dig a Hole
After selecting the ideal spot for your boxwood shrub, taking into consideration the sun requirements and the mature size of the plant you've selected, dig a hole that is slightly deeper and two to three times wider than the root ball. While it may appear excessive, providing this additional space around the plant's base is crucial for the next step!
3. Prepare the Soil
When preparing your soil for planting, it is recommended to soak the area where you are going to plant your shrub a day or two in advance. Native Colorado soil tends to be dense and clay-heavy. This will soften the ground and also make sure your newly planted shrub will have good access to water as soon as it is planted. If the soil in the area you plan to plant is native Colorado soil, it will be important to amend it. We recommend using a quality topsoil and mixing 1/3 compost with 2/3 soil. You can also add manure, peat moss, or other soil amendments to provide your plant with even more nutrients. Adding soil amendments improves the quality of your soil, encouraging better drainage, lessening soil compaction, allowing the roots to work their way into the soil with more ease, and contributing to the overall health of the plant. We also highly recommend using MYKE Tree & Shrub when planting new trees or shrubs, as this product helps to stimulate root growth and all but guarantees the healthy growth of your plant. Also, if you purchase your plants at Bath Garden Center along with this product, you automatically get an extended 5-year warranty! Once you have come up with a mixture of soil and amendments that is to your satisfaction, spread a thin layer at the bottom of the hole you dug for your plant.
4. Position the Plant
Now it's time to position your plant in the prepared hole. Support the plant from the bottom of the root ball when moving it. It's advisable to avoid lifting from the trunk or branches to prevent potential damage. Once in place, ensure the plant is upright within the hole. Step back and assess the plant from various angles to confirm it's sitting straight and positioned as desired.
5. Pack Soil Around the Plant
Once your boxwood shrub is positioned correctly, proceed to backfill the hole with more of your amended soil. It's advisable to distribute the soil evenly to prevent the plant from becoming off-center. Gently but firmly tamp the planting medium around the base of your shrub until the soil is level and the root ball is adequately buried. Dispose of any excess soil or repurpose it elsewhere in your landscaping.
6. Water Thoroughly
After planting, thoroughly water your shrub. Some settling of the soil around the base of the plant may occur after watering, so you may need to add more soil. It's crucial to water your new plant regularly and deeply, especially during the first 1-2 years of growth. Watering slowly for extended durations allows the water to penetrate deeply into the soil, promoting robust root growth. Conversely, short floods of water simply cause the moisture to spread out over the surface of the soil, which leads to shallow root growth. This is detrimental to the plant's long-term health, as plants with shallow roots cannot access moisture or nutrients and are much less tolerant of cold temperatures. Shallow roots also cause instability, which can lead to your plant easily blowing over in the wind. Typically, it takes about a year or two for a new plant to establish itself. During this initial period, water at least once a week, increasing frequency to 2-3 times per week during hot summer months. Once established, your plant will become drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering.
Helpful Tips for Growing Boxwood Shrubs
Choose an Appropriate Location
Choosing the right location for your boxwood shrub is crucial for its success. While some varieties can tolerate shade, most need at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily. Uneven light exposure can cause one side of the plant to fade or become discolored, and some varieties are more susceptible to this than others. Ensure you select the best spot for your shrub (or the best shrub for your spot)!
Choose a Suitable Variety
It is very important to conduct adequate research to find the variety that will be the best fit for your space. Whether you need a tall hedge, a short and compact border, or a plant requiring minimal pruning, choosing a boxwood that is well-suited to its location and intended function will yield the best results. If you need assistance selecting the right boxwood variety, use our Plant Finder or contact us to connect with one of our Nursery Specialists for personalized suggestions and advice!
Make Sure You Have the Right Expectations
Remember that any new plant added to your landscape will need extra care initially in order to thrive in subsequent years. While watering 1-3 times per week may seem excessive, it's crucial for the plant's long-term health. Additionally, it will take a couple of years for your shrub to reach its mature size, so plan accordingly. With a bit of patience, you'll have beautiful, thriving plants in no time!
Plant At the Right Time of Year
Choosing the right season for planting can significantly impact the health and success of your plant. Spring is the best time to plant, as our Nursery offers the widest selection of boxwood shrubs early in the growing season, giving you more options. Planting in the spring ensures that your new plant will have six months or more to acclimate and establish itself before winter. You can also plant in the fall once the summer heat subsides, just be prepared to give your shrub some extra attention and ensure it receives sufficient water throughout the winter.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Boxwoods?
Growing boxwood shrubs in Northern Colorado, like any other region, comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Cold Hardy: Many boxwood varieties are cold-hardy, making them suitable for the harsh winters often experienced in Northern Colorado. They can withstand low temperatures and still thrive.
Evergreen Foliage: Boxwoods retain their foliage throughout the year, providing greenery and structure to the landscape even in winter when other plants are dormant.
Versatility: They are versatile plants suitable for various landscaping purposes, including hedges, borders, topiaries, and foundation plantings. Their dense growth habit makes them effective for creating privacy screens.
Low Maintenance: Generally, Boxwood shrubs are low-maintenance once established. They require minimal pruning and are drought-tolerant once their root systems are established.
Deer Resistant: Many Boxwood varieties are deer resistant, which is advantageous in areas where deer populations are prevalent.
Cons:
Boxwood Blight: Boxwood shrubs are susceptible to boxwood blight, a fungal disease that can be challenging to manage and can lead to significant damage or even death of the plants. This disease thrives in warm, humid conditions and can spread rapidly.
Soil Requirements: Boxwoods prefer well-draining soil with good organic content. In Colorado, where soils can be clay-heavy or alkaline, proper soil preparation with amendments may be necessary to ensure optimal growth.
Sun and Shade Requirements: While some boxwood varieties can tolerate shade, most prefer full sun to partial shade. In Northern Colorado, where sunlight exposure can vary significantly throughout the year, choosing the right location for planting is crucial to avoid issues like sunburn or uneven growth.
Watering Needs: Boxwoods require regular watering, especially during their establishment phase. In Northern Colorado's semi-arid climate, where water conservation is often a concern, proper irrigation practices are essential to prevent stress and maintain plant health.
Slow Growth Rate: Boxwoods are generally slow-growing, especially in colder climates. Patience is required for them to reach their desired size and shape, particularly for hedges or topiaries.
Reach Out About Your Boxwood Shrub Questions!
If you have any questions about how to plant boxwood shrubs, different types of boxwood shrubs, care requirements, and the like, let us know! We are happy to help you with any of your plant and landscaping needs. We also have an on-site Garden Center & Nursery where you can shop thousands of varieties of plants, get advice from professionals, and benefit from a variety of garden and landscaping services. Visit Bath Garden Center today, or reach out to us for all your landscaping and irrigation needs.