Tips for Growing and Caring for Boxwoods
Over the years, I’ve shared peeks of our landscaping projects, and almost every time, someone asks about the boxwoods. I get it. They’re classic, structured, have a traditional appeal, and instantly elevate a garden. We’ve been growing boxwoods for over a decade now. From our first home to our current one, they’ve become a consistent part of every yard we’ve touched. Different homes, different zones, different climates, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. I wanted to put together my best tips for anyone curious about growing and caring for boxwoods. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to troubleshoot, I hope this post helps!
Before we get into the details, there were a couple of questions I kept getting that I wanted to answer up front. Our current garden zone falls somewhere between 6 and 7, but boxwoods are incredibly versatile and can thrive in zones 3 through 9. That range makes them a solid choice for a lot of climates. Right now, we’re growing Winter Gems. They’re hardy, love the sun, and can handle snowy winters, which makes them a good fit for our yard here in Utah. We also have a few potted ones that have done surprisingly well through the seasons. There are over 90 species of boxwoods, so if you’re unsure, it’s worth chatting with your local garden center about which type works best where you live.
When I picture boxwoods, I think of Southern charm, English gardens, tidy hedges, and elegant topiaries. That clean and timeless structure is exactly what we were going for to match our Georgian colonial home. Ready to dive in? Before we get started, I highly recommend checking out my go-to spring gardening essentials from Lowe’s. I rounded up everything I rely on this time of year, and it’ll definitely come in handy if you’re planning to take on a boxwood or landscaping project of your own.
Choosing the Right Spot
Boxwoods do well in most neutral soil types (somewhere between a 6.5 and 7.5 pH) but the real non-negotiable is drainage. These plants hate sitting in water and are prone to root rot if the soil stays too wet. So picking the right spot is key. I always look for a well-draining area and steer clear of low-lying zones where water tends to collect. They thrive in full sun to part shade, and if you’re in a really hot climate, a little afternoon shade can be helpful too. Adequate drainage and the right light will set you up for success from the start. Planters also work… just make sure your pot has good drainage.
How We Plant Them
We always start with healthy soil, a good location, and a generous layer of mulch. Mulch is a key component to planting boxwoods, it helps lock in moisture, keeps the roots insulated, and gives new plants a better chance to settle in. I usually go with about one to three inches around each boxwood, and I never skip it. It’s such a simple way to support long-term health.
Some of the best-looking boxwoods I’ve ever seen are at my friend Jackie’s place in Ohio. I’m always so impressed by how well they care for them, they’ve really nailed it… and they have taught us some tricks along the way.
Container Tips
Boxwoods are great in containers- they bring in that nice texture, pop of green, and add a sculptural touch that you can move around as needed. I try to match the pot width to the height of the plant, so if your boxwood is eight inches tall, go for a pot that’s about eight inches wide. As it grows, just size up the pot. Regular potting soil works just fine, and they’re such an easy way to dress up an entry or patio.
Watering Basics
Boxwoods like regular watering, especially if you’re not getting much rain. If your area gets less than an inch of rainfall a week, it’s a good idea to set up irrigation or plan to water by hand. We use a sprinkler system for ours. Don’t forget about the potted ones either, they often need a bit more attention. Before the first freeze, make sure your boxwoods have had enough water. After that, it’s time to winterize (keep scrolling for that step)!
Fertilizing When Needed
Not every boxwood needs fertilizer, but if your soil is low in certain nutrients or the pH is off, it might be worth considering. Boxwoods are also prone to nitrogen deficiency, so if you notice yellowing leaves or leaf drop, it’s a good idea to do a soil test. Wondering when to fertilize? Early spring is best. Just apply your preferred fertilizer around the base of the plant. We’ve been using these tablets lately and they’ve worked really well for us.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning boxwoods is one of those must-do steps if you want them to look their best. It helps with air flow, encourages healthy growth, and keeps their shape nice and tidy. I usually plan to prune once a year. A lot of folks recommend doing it in late fall or early winter, but our Winter Gems (pictured below) actually respond better to a trim in early spring. Every variety is a little different though, so it’s always worth checking in with your local garden center for the best timing.
I always say less is more when it comes to pruning boxwoods. Trim in small increments and try not to cut more than a third of the plant at once. If your plant is struggling, maybe it has yellowing leaves or signs of disease, you might need to prune a bit more aggressively. In that case, I remove the entire affected section to give the rest of the plant a better shot at staying healthy.
How to Prepare for Winter
During the colder months, boxwoods can take on an orange or yellow tone. That’s usually from drying winds or intense sun exposure. To help prevent that, I use a breathable burlap wrap and a good layer of mulch. It helps protect newer plants from snow damage and keeps the roots insulated.
For established plants (like below), I don’t always wrap them, but I still make sure they have enough mulch heading into winter. I also use a few products that help with moisture retention and protection from winter burn, especially since our climate can be unpredictable.
My Go-To Products
Emmett and I have a couple of go-to products we like to use to keep our boxwoods healthy, especially with the intense climate we deal with. Here are a our favorites that have worked really well:
- WiltStop Plant Protector // a transparent protective coating that forms a flexible film on shrubs that holds moisture in, reducing water loss. It protects plants from drying out, drought, wind burn, intense sun, transplant shock, and salt damage.
- TopBoxus Boxwood Restore & Protect // this has made a big difference in the color and health of our plants. A fertilizer that includes nutrients for optimal growth & strength, producing healthy green, shiny leaves.
FAQ
I’ve had the best luck planting boxwoods in early spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the roots have time to settle in. If you’re planting in the heat of summer or right before a hard freeze, they’ll have a harder time adjusting. I always give mine a good drink of water right after planting and follow up with mulch to help them get established.
Yes, they absolutely can! I’ve kept boxwoods in containers for years, and they do really well if you use the right size pot and remember to water them consistently. I match the width of the pot to the height of the plant and repot as they grow. Just keep in mind that container plants dry out faster, so they’ll need a little extra attention, especially in summer and winter.
That’s usually a sign of nitrogen deficiency or poor drainage. I’ve dealt with yellowing before, and the first thing I do is check the soil. A quick soil test will tell you if anything is off. If it’s low on nutrients, I apply fertilizer in early spring using some boxwood restore & protect tablets. If the issue is drainage, you may need to relocate the plant or adjust the soil to improve airflow around the roots.
Related Gardening Posts
Looking for more posts that take the guesswork out of planning a beautiful, low-maintenance garden? I’ve shared several that might help with your next outdoor project, and I’ll link them for you below!
- Gardening with the Phases of the Moon: Lunar Planting Guide
- Classic Planters for Every Aesthetic and Budget
- DIY Herb Garden
- How to Install Window Flower Boxes
- How to Set a Summer Table for Outdoor Entertaining
- Tips for Styling Convincing Faux Outdoor Plants
- Our Lawn Care & Landscaping Routine (+ a Printable Checklist)
I hope this post was helpful, whether you already have boxwoods or are thinking about adding them to your yard. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, I’m always happy to chat garden things. Wishing you a beautiful weekend ahead, friends! We’re definitely getting some outside yard work done this weekend ahead of the holiday.