Boxwood varieties are a diverse and cherished group of shrubs and small trees used in landscaping. They are known for their lush, evergreen foliage and adaptability to different climates. From American to English Box woods and even Japanese Box woods, these plants come in various shapes and sizes.
For example, Fastigiata Boxwood grows upright and is perfect for hedges, while Dwarf English Boxwood is small and great for borders. These plants are the backbone of many landscapes, providing year-round greenery and a touch of charm to gardens and architectural designs.
In this exploration, we’ll discover the world of Boxwood varieties, each with its unique characteristics, making them a favourite in landscaping and DIY Planter Boxes.
Different Boxwood Varieties
Boxwood is a genus of shrubs with an unlimited number of subspecies, all of which may be used in landscaping. Here, for your perusal and pleasure, are some of the most well-known types of boxwood, and here, when you are ready, are some pointers that will assist you in trimming and shaping your boxwood shrubs.
1: American Boxwood
Box woods are native to the United States of America and are well-known for their deep green colour, pointed points, and very long lengths. Depending on the specific species, the height of the typical American boxwood may vary from ten to twenty feet.
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These sorts of bushes can withstand very low temperatures, so you’ll often find them in locations with a more moderate climate. In addition to the cold, they are resistant to a wide variety of plant-based illnesses as well as assaults by animals.
This species of boxwood has been given the scientific name Buxus Sempervirens. As a kind of ornamentation, it is often carved in the shape of a contorted tree that terminates at a point.
2: Dee Runk Boxwood
The Dee Ruck Boxwood is a shrub that falls within the wider group of American box woods and is known by that name. Like other types of boxwood, this kind of boxwood appears similar to dark green and has pointed growth.
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On the other hand, the shape of the leaves is more oval, like that of the box woods often seen in English gardens. These many varieties of box woods can be the perfect option for you if you need more room to plant your shrubs where you want them.
As a result of their towering growth, they are well suited for usage in spaces with limited space. Most individuals place these bushes at the edge of their dwelling zones to make a statement. Keep the trimmings from your pruning projects to utilize them in the spring and summer on the many wreaths you create.
3: English Boxwood
The English kinds of boxwood are well-known for their rounded form and their sloping growth pattern. They are categorized as dwarf shrubs due to their very short height.
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They have leaves that give the impression of being just trimmed and have a pale green colour, which contributes to their overall allure. They are found in key landscapes and many renowned gardens and are popular in aristocratic areas, where they are a regular sight.
The one thing that it has in common with American box woods, even though its look is distinct, is that it is evergreen. It is quite resilient, and its color fades very seldom.
4: Fastigiata Boxwood
Fastigiata Boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus sempervirens ‘Fastigiata,’ is a popular boxwood cultivar cherished for its upright, columnar growth habit. This evergreen shrub boasts dense, dark green foliage, offering year-round interest.
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Its narrow form makes it a versatile choice for hedges, topiaries, or as an accent plant. Fastigiata Boxwood is easy to maintain, requiring minimal pruning to retain its shape. It adapts well to various soil types and is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
With its elegant, upright appearance and adaptability, Fastigiata Boxwood is a favored selection for adding structure and visual appeal to gardens, landscapes, and formal designs.
5: Glencoe Boxwood
The Glencoe boxwood shrub is a hybrid type of boxwood that has become quite popular in botanical gardens. They may also serve as a solid foundation for a green boundary. It is rather short, measuring between 3 and 4 feet in height.
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It also matures slowly, at a rate of about 1-2 inches each year. It might be useful if you find it inconvenient to do frequent pruning. The Glencoe boxwood is unparalleled among shrubs for its ability to withstand freezing temperatures.
However, effective maintenance of these boxwood shrubs requires regular watering, especially during the summer. They also produce tiny, white blooms.
Chicagoland Green box woods, a cross between Buxus and Glencoe box woods, are a sight. The hybrid boxwood shrubs grow higher and broader than their parent species and can withstand colder climates.
6: Japanese Boxwood
Japanese Box woods are a popular choice in landscaping due to their aesthetic appeal despite their slow growth rate. Their petite stature is charming in its own right and is often used to complement larger boxwood varieties.
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These shrubs are frequently arranged in closely spaced rows and columns, creating an organized and attractive landscape. They resemble traditional trees but with exposed roots. However, their ability to produce tiny blooms truly adds to their acclaim.
Despite their slow development, Japanese Box woods are valued for their ornamental value and capacity to enhance the visual appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces, making them a sought-after choice in landscaping projects.
7: Green Beauty Boxwood
A boxwood shrub can handle the heat and humidity where the others can’t. These shrubs perform poorly in locations with higher precipitation levels since they need drier conditions to flourish.
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One common use is constructing attractive mazes and placing them in containers. A significant amount of time spent in the sun is required for these shrubs to mature and keep their health.
There are better options than working under conditions with some shade present, even if it is feasible to complete the tasks that need to be done. The walls have a beautiful appearance when compared to the dark green of the flora that surrounds them. Because of this particular trait, these bushes grow close to walls and fences often.
8: Vardar Valley Boxwood
Vardar Valley Boxwood is an interesting species native to America. It is smaller than both the Dee Runk and the Fastigiata. “Vardar Valley” was coined since these bushes are often found at high altitudes. It’s rare, although some rural residences do grow them.
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Due to its short stature, it may be pruned with the appropriate shears without suffering significant form loss. However, it does not fare as well in cold weather as the other American box woods. That’s why it’s best to do the pruning in the early spring.
According to Missouri Botanical Garden,
“The ‘Vardar Valley’ type of boxwood can resist well against two major insect pests (leaf miner and mites), but it can be prone to psyllid attacks in specific regions of the U.S.”
9: Morris Midget Boxwood
The Morris Midget Boxwood, a member of the Japanese boxwood family, is a low-maintenance evergreen ideally suited for urban environments.
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These shrubs are often planted around larger, more eye-catching plants to create appealing contrasts. Whether potted or in the ground, they require consistent watering and can thrive in full and partial sunlight.
Due to their thicker leaves, pruning may be more challenging, so many gardeners allow them to grow naturally, only trimming when necessary. Morris Midgets are a reliable choice for those seeking easy-care, attractive greenery to enhance their urban gardens or landscapes while requiring minimal intervention.
10: Green Gem Boxwood
Green Gem Boxwood, a highly favored hybrid boxwood variety, is celebrated for its compact and naturally rounded shape, requiring minimal pruning. Planting Green Gems is advisable, as their shallow roots may face stunted development when competing with companion plants.
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What distinguishes hybrid boxwood variants like the Green Gem is their relatively larger leaves compared to the Japanese or Korean boxwood types.
Despite their shallow root system, Green Gems gradually strengthen, becoming resilient enough to endure harsh weather conditions, including snow and wind. It makes them a reliable choice for those seeking an attractive, low-maintenance, and cold-hardy evergreen shrub to adorn their gardens or landscapes.