About Boxwoods
Boxwood, “Man’s Oldest Garden Ornament,”
was introduced to North America from Europe in the mid-1600s and reached
its peak popularity in the United States during the early 19th century
and again during the Colonial Revival era. Horticultural interest
in the genus Buxus is maintained today by many nurserymen, landscapers
and homeowners.
While the most familiar forms are what are commonly referred to as
“American” (Buxus sempervirens) and “English”
(Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) boxwood, there are
about 90 species and over 150 different cultivars known exhibiting
a wide variety of forms and foliage. Several of the more unusual cultivars
are now in commercial production.
Boxwood is considered to be a low-maintenance shrub, but certain practices
are recommended to keep the plants healthy. The fall is the best time
for boxwood planting and mulching, while the winter is the ideal time
for pruning, thinning, and protection. Boxwood can be planted in the
spring. Inspection of plants for insects should start in the early
in the summer, during which time there should be attention to the
watering needs of the plants during the first year after transplanting.
One of the most frequent questions we get is "How can I tell
the difference between an American and an English boxwood?" There
are a couple of differences in the growing habits of the two which
make them easy to distinguish. The American boxwood grows faster,
is usually a little less dense than the English which grows slower
and doesn't reach the height of the American.
The leaves of the two are also shaped very differently. The leaves
of an American are very pointed, much like a spear while the leaves
of an English are much more rounded and oval shaped, and many times,
but not always, have a small notch can be seen in the tip of the leaves.