Description

• Plants have small, fragrant, tightly packed leaves that are pale green. Round and compact, the English boxwood grows to about 3 feet high and has a 3-foot spread. Even plants known to have lived for more than 150 years continue to remain small and only reach a mature height of 3 feet. Interestingly, the English boxwood is not the shortest of the boxwoods. That prize goes to the Kingsville Dwarf (Buxus microphylla), which grows to only a height of about 1 foot.
  
  

Landscape Uses

• Although the English boxwood is most commonly used in formal gardens, it is frequently seen in less-formal gardens as well. Often used as a low hedge or outer border for herb gardens, plants are also made into topiaries both for use in gardens and containers. When pruned correctly, the English boxwood even makes a rather fetching bonsai.
  
  

Boxwood Care

• While the English boxwood can survive a planting in full sun, it actually prefers partial shade. It does best in well-drained soil that has a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. It does not do well if its soil remains wet and will develop root problems. Take care to avoid planting English boxwood in areas where it will be in direct wind. Plants are susceptible to bronzing, which is a condition caused by exposure to winter winds. Plants affected by bronzing may become orange or reddish-brown when winter weather conditions are too harsh. Although this will not kill the plant, it does make its appearance less attractive.
  
  

Pruning

• Because the English boxwood is so slow to grow, resist the urge to do a severe pruning unless plants have been neglected over a long period of time. A light pruning to keep the plant in shape is best; however, it is acceptable to remove dead or injured branches. When pruning, avoid stressing the plant by completely trimming at least six weeks ahead of the first expected frost. Pruning to keep topiaries and hedge lines in shape is best done in late winter or early spring.