## How to Grow Boxwood
Andrea Filippone, a landscape architect, boxwood grower, and former director of the American Boxwood Society, shares her essential care tips for growing boxwood.
1. Conditions
Boxwood prospers when it is grown in full sun to part shade. Plants in full shade don't grow as vigorously, while those in full sun, especially in hot inland areas, risk scorching. Most varieties are hardy in Zones 5-9.
2. Drainage
It's best to plant boxwood in loose, quick-draining soil, as they dislike soggy conditions. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in sand to improve drainage before planting.
3. Spacing
The spacing for boxwood depends on the mature size of the variety you choose for your garden. However, you should always avoid planting them too close together, as this crowds their shallow roots and reduces air circulation. Always refer to the plant tags and prioritize giving them plenty of space.
4. Water
During the first few months after planting, water your boxwood one to two times per week. Once these plants are established, monitor the soil and plant condition. In general, thoroughly water the root ball and let the soil dry between waterings. If possible, maintain potted boxwood on drip irrigation in order to prevent soil from drying out too fast.
5. Fertilizer
Filippone advises using organic fertilizers like compost or compost tea in order to promote healthy boxwood growth.
## How to Prune Boxwood
Filippone suggests a minimalistic approach to pruning boxwood. Limit pruning to twice a year: once in the summer season and again in December, or wait until spring in colder climates.
Boxwood will push new growth where they are cut. Shearing, or clipping only the outer layer, forms a dense shell that blocks light and air from the center, which can attract pests and disease. Instead, use sharp pruning shears to gently and selectively clip a few inches by hand, shaping the plant and controlling its size.
Then make selective cuts at the outer six inches to allow more light and air into the center. Make sure to angle the pruners where the branches begin, removing any clipped branches and dead twigs.
Boxwood are my building blocks for design, allowing me to create structure and outdoor rooms—that won't be devoured by deer!
— Andrea Filippone
## Dealing with Boxwood Blight
Boxwood blight is a severe disease that begins as dark spots on leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off. This disease can swiftly affect nearby boxwood. Prevent blight by avoiding moist conditions that the fungus favors; do this by not watering from above and avoiding shearing. You should also stick to planting cultivars that are less susceptible to blight and steer clear of especially vulnerable varieties like 'Suffruticosa' English boxwood.
To stop the disease from spreading between plants in your garden, dip your pruning tools in a 10-percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) after each plant. Dispose of infected plants and surrounding soil in trash bags, and avoid composting any of them.
## Best Garden Design Ideas for Boxwood
1. Hedgers and Edgers
Create a charming, cottage-style hedge with a series of small boxwood balls around raised beds. This gorgeous design comes from the creative mind of garden designer Elizabeth Everdell in a kitchen garden.
2. Container Accents
Keep it simple and elegant with topiary boxwoods in classic terra-cotta containers. In a garden designed by Denler Hobart Gardens, beautiful boxwood cones and globes are paired to enhance a stone patio's charm.
**Tip:** Use tall potted boxwoods to elegantly frame a stairway or path in your yard.
3. Perennial Backdrop
In a gorgeous garden crafted by Denler Hobart, a double layer of boxwood hedges provides structure and support to a stunning border of irises, roses, and lady's mantle.
4. Architectural Shapes
In a beautiful, inventive design by Jon Carloftis, robust pyramidal forms are artfully softened by grassy perennials, resulting in an unexpected and striking foundation planting.
