Green Mountain Boxwood

Planting & Care for Deciduous Shrub – Boxwood

Preparation

• Typically grown as pyramidal, dense and upright and pointed, and it will need additional shearing as the plant grows and develops.
• If left unsheard, it will still be a more upright form, but with a looser habit.
• This makes for an excellent hedge or specimen plant that will take sun or shade in the landscape.
• Mature growth is around 5' tall x 3' wide, but can be maintained at almost any size with regular pruning.
• This plant is a good alternative to Taxus Capitata.
• *Please note this item cannot be shipped to Pennsylvania. Our apologies regarding any inconvenience. Please feel free to call us at 800-236-4242 with any questions or concerns regarding this matter.
• The Boxwood – Buxus plants are compact and can work in full sun or partial shade.
• Boxwood thrives on chalk but also prospers on a wide range of other soils.
• Good drainage is vital. Enrich impoverished areas with bulky organic manure several weeks before planting.

Opening Plant Material

• B&B - Soak root ball very well. Dig a hole at least 6" wider and no deeper than the size of the ball on the plant. Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move trees by the tops.
• Containers - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, remove. Now ready to plant. Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more, making sure it’s wider on the sides.

Planting B&B trees

• Plant B&B trees in spring or fall. A good indicator if you can still plant is if the ground is still workable you’re good to go. If a hard frost is expected be sure to hold off on planting.
• Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
• Backfill ½ of the hole with soil and completely saturate the soil with water.
• Once the tree is straight and located as desired, cut and remove twine. Then, remove or bend back top ⅓ of metal basket. Lastly, remove exposed burlap from top of ball
• Fill the hole to the top of the ball with soil, then soak well with water and let settle.
• The top of the root ball should be visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Add mulch on top of soil making sure to not put mulch against the trunk or stems.
• See our link below “Handling & Planting Guidelines” for illustrations on planting.

Planting containers

• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
• Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.

Pruning - After Planting

• B&B & containers - Although it is not essential for B&B or containers o be pruned after planting, a light pruning for shape, to remove any broken branches from shipping, or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• Typically grown as pyramidal, dense and upright and pointed, and it will need additional shearing as the plant grows and develops.
• If left unsheard, it will still be a more upright form, but with a looser habit.
• Prune in April-May or July-August – After planting, use hedging shears to shorten shoots by a third to encourage bushy habit.
• Trim hedges and topiary from April to August.
• If a bush is old and gaunt and needs revitalizing, cut it hard back in April or May.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information & tips on caring and maintaining this plant.