Boxwood
Structure, Elegance, and Definition
Boxwood is the "little black dress" of the garden—classic, versatile, and always appropriate. Its small, glossy evergreen leaves and dense growth habit make it the world's best plant for hedging, edging, and topiary. Whether kept as a tight formal ball or allowed to grow into a loose cloud, it provides crucial structure in winter.
Why You Need It:
Winter Structure: Keeps the garden looking "furnished" even when flowers die back.
Deer Resistant: Deer dislike the taste and scent of boxwood leaves.
Design Versatility: Defines pathways and borders like a living picture frame.
Planting Tips:
Thrives in Sun or Shade. Boxwoods have shallow roots, so mulch them well to keep roots cool and moist. Avoid planting in areas exposed to harsh winter winds to prevent bronzing.
Type
Well-Adapted
benefits
Evergreen, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant
Attracts:
Soil Type
Well-Drained / Sandy
Sun Light
Full Sun, Part Sun / Shade
Our Landscape Designer's Take
The Foundation of Formal Design: If you love the clean, structured look of a manicured landscape, Boxwoods are non-negotiable. We use them to create "defining lines" along walkways and foundation beds, often pairing them with looser plants like Hydrangeas to create contrast.
Surviving Michigan Winters: Boxwoods are tough, but winter windburn is their enemy in open areas like Edwardsburg or Niles. We carefully site them away from direct northwest wind exposure or treat them with an anti-desiccant spray in late November. This ensures they wake up lush and green in spring, rather than brown and crispy.
