Boxwood Care Guide

Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are one of the most popular shrubs in Northeast Ohio — and for good reason. They offer year-round structure, tolerate regular pruning, and fit beautifully into both modern and traditional landscape designs. This guide walks you through choosing, planting, and caring for boxwoods in Cleveland’s climate.

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🛒 Choosing the Right Boxwood at the Nursery

When shopping for boxwoods, look for the following:

• Variety suited for your needs:

  • Green Velvet – compact, cold-hardy, great for borders

  • Winter Gem – excellent winter color retention

  • Green Mountain – upright form for hedging or structure

• Uniform color: Avoid plants with yellowing or wilting leaves.

• Healthy roots: Gently lift the plant from its container. Avoid overly root-bound shrubs.

• No pests or disease: Look under leaves for webbing, whiteflies, or black spot fungus.

🧠 Pro Tip: Cleveland’s winters can cause leaf scorch or bronzing. Look for varieties labeled as “cold hardy” and suited for USDA Zone 6.

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🌱 Where & How to Plant Boxwoods

Boxwoods thrive in well-drained soil, partial to full sun, and protected locations that shield them from harsh winter winds.

🧭 Site Selection:

• Light: Full sun to partial shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.

• Drainage: Boxwoods hate “wet feet.” Avoid low spots or compacted clay soil.

• Airflow: Good spacing prevents fungal diseases.

🪛 Planting Instructions:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.

2. Loosen the root ball gently before placing it into the hole.

3. Backfill with a mix of native soil and compost.

4. Keep the crown exposed — don’t bury the base of the plant.

5. Water thoroughly after planting, then apply a 2–3” layer of mulch, leaving a gap around the stem.

🧠 Pro Tip: If you’re planting a hedge, space boxwoods 2–3 feet apart depending on the variety and desired density.

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💧 Watering

• First year: Water 1–2 times per week depending on weather. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

• Established plants: Drought-tolerant, but still prefer a deep soak during long dry spells.

🧠 Avoid: Overwatering. Root rot is a common killer of boxwoods, especially in heavy soils.

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🧪 Fertilizing

Feed boxwoods once a year in early spring, just before new growth begins.

• Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or one formulated for evergreen shrubs.

• Avoid late-season fertilizing — it can promote tender growth vulnerable to frost.

🧠 Pro Tip: Compost and mulch layers can also enrich soil naturally over time.

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✂️ Pruning & Trimming

Boxwoods love a good shape-up but need thoughtful timing and technique.

🗓️ When to Trim:

• Major shaping: Late spring (May–early June)

• Light touch-ups: Late summer (August)

• ❌ Avoid fall pruning — tender new growth may not harden off before frost.

✂️ How to Trim:

• Use clean, sharp shears.

• Trim lightly to maintain the natural form — avoid cutting too deep into old wood.

• Remove any dead or damaged branches in early spring.

🧠 Pro Tip: Hand pruning is better than electric shears if you want a softer, more natural shape.

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🛡️ Winter Protection

Northeast Ohio winters can cause winter burn on boxwoods, especially from wind and sun reflection off snow.

🌬️ Preventative Steps:

• Water well into late fall so plants enter winter hydrated.

• Apply anti-desiccant spray like Wilt-Pruf in November.

• Wrap exposed boxwoods in burlap if located in windy or road-salt-prone areas.

• Use mulch to insulate roots, but don’t pile it against stems.

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🐛 Common Pests & Problems

• Boxwood Leafminer: Look for blistered leaves in spring. Prune affected areas and use horticultural oil.

• Boxwood Blight: Rare in Ohio, but monitor for rapid defoliation and dark leaf spots.

• Spider Mites: Tiny pests causing stippling — rinse leaves or use insecticidal soap.

🧠 Prevent issues by spacing plants well, pruning for airflow, and avoiding overhead watering.

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🌼 Companion Planting Ideas

Pair boxwoods with plants that provide seasonal interest, contrast, or texture:

• Spring: Tulips, daffodils

• Summer: Daylilies, lavender

• Fall: Ornamental grasses, asters

• Winter: Red twig dogwood, hellebores

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📦 Summary Checklist

✅ Choose cold-hardy varieties like Green Velvet or Winter Gem
✅ Plant in well-draining soil with good airflow
✅ Water deeply but infrequently
✅ Trim in late spring and lightly again in late summer
✅ Feed once in early spring
✅ Protect from winter wind and road salt
✅ Monitor for pests and trim for health