Neatball™ Boxwood (Buxus)
Shrub
- Versatile boxwood grows well in full sun or shade!
- A compact globe-shaped habit great for creative landscaping projects.
- Evergreen foliage stays deep green all throughout winter.
- Certified Deer Proof™ by Proven Winners® ColorChoice Shrubs.
- Zones 4b-9, sun/part sun/shade, 2-3' tall x 3' wide at maturity.
UNABLE TO SHIP TO: PA, TN
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Description
Boxwood (Buxus) is the perfect, low-maintenance way to add year-long color and texture to just about any garden! Critters seldom damage this evergreen shrub, a favorite in landscapes that deer and rabbits frequently visit. Perfect for landscapers and beginner gardeners alike, boxwood is a versatile staple shrub that thrives in nearly every growing zone.
Details
Common name: Boxwood, littleleaf box
Zone: 4b - 9
Sun exposure: Full sun (6+ hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun) to shade (< 4 hours sun)
Soil type: Average
Soil moisture: Average
Height x width: 2-3' x 3'
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Early spring
Features: Winter interest, space savers, rabbit & deer resistant, heat-tolerant, cold-tolerant, evergreen
Uses: Accent, border, container gardening, edging, foundation planting, hedge, small spaces
How to Grow
Light: Sun/part sun/shade. Will grow well in a variety of part shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Plants can grow in close to full shade, but typically are less vigorous and more open with decreased foliage density. When grown in full sun, plant foliage is more likely to scorch, bronze in winter, or suffer from mite attacks.
Water: Evenly moist, average
Spacing: 2-4'
Fertilizing: Boxwood roots appreciate a good organic (e.g., bark or compost) mulch (1-2""). Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer, or slow release fertilizer after the second year of growth by spreading it evenly over the surface of the soil (follow label directions), and watering it in.
Winterizing: Boxwood is best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds, with, if possible, some protection from full winter sun. Foliage may bronze in winter when exposed to half day to full day sun. Winter winds can remove moisture from leaves at a rapid rate, often resulting in dehydration and bronzing. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage.
Maintenance & Pruning: Boxwood does not typically require pruning as a matter of course, but if plants are being used for clipped hedging or topiary, do so in late spring or early summer, after the new growth has emerged. Avoid cutting into thick stems.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.