Boxwood Shrub

Boxwood Shrub - Increase your living space in a fun way!

Boxwood shrub is a popular all-around lawn shrub that is available in a wide variety of cultivars. Depending on the variety, you can find bushes that will work in virtually any climate. Be sure to check the growing requirements for the boxwood you plan to buy, however, because if you pick one unsuited to your own growing conditions, you could be disappointed.

Different varieties of boxwood fill different needs in the yard. If you want to grow a formal trimmed hedge, you will want a different variety than if you want an informal privacy fence or foundation plantings. For instance, some varieties of English boxwood are dwarf plants and never get beyond three feet tall. Other boxwood, such as the American "Green Tower" grows eight or more feet in height but keeps a narrow diameter of only about two feet.

When planted in the appropriate growing zone, boxwood shrub stays green year round. If the plant happens to be in a windy location, however, and is not one of the hardier varieties, the leaves can turn brown or yellow, even in the right zone. Some varieties will turn bronze in the winter, and that may be part of the beauty you desire.

One reason homeowners like boxwood shrubs is that they are easy to trim into desired shapes such as seen in topiary. The trimmed branches can be used in holiday decorating, such as in wreaths. For formal hedges, topiary and similar uses, look for a slow growing variety with a dense growing habit. Some of these plants also feature variegated leaves, with gold streaks or white outlining for a very stunning look. Boxwood has flowers but they are inconspicuous.

There are a number of problems that can arise with boxwoods. One of them is that you can damage the roots if you dig too close to the plant because they have a shallow root system. The roots are also delectable to rodents, so be sure to eradicate the gophers and moles in your yard for best results. As previously mentioned, some varieties have difficulty staying green in windy locations.

One good hardy variety that can survive in such a condition is called "Green Mountain. It grows to a manageable three to five feet and can be used in hedges or as specimen plants in landscaping. One new way people are using boxwood is to create outdoor rooms. By planting hedges creatively you can increase your living space in a fun way.