Boxwood: The hardy garden hero outshining thuja with ease

Boxwood is increasingly becoming a staple in our gardens, serving as a robust alternative to thuja. Known for its hardiness and ease of cultivation, it only requires timely watering and pruning. However, a question arises when its leaves start to turn yellow. Luckily, a simple treatment can address this issue.

One of the key reasons for boxwood's popularity is its resilience. It thrives in virtually any condition, whether it's basked in full sunlight or nestled in the shade, making it a favoured choice over thuja.

With its immaculate appearance, boxwood enhances garden aesthetics, serving well as a hedge or a verdant border around flower beds. The shrub's small, richly green leaves are particularly eye-catching—even to the neighbours. Besides its visual appeal, boxwood is noteworthy for its resistance to diseases and pests. It's amenable to shaping, thanks to its tolerance for trimming. Boxwood can attain heights of up to about 3 metres.

Pruning is crucial for preserving boxwood’s dense foliage. The optimal times for trimming are during the spring and summer months, avoiding particularly hot spells.

The approach to pruning varies depending on the plant's age. For newly planted boxwood in spring, the initial prune should occur once it has rooted, cutting back half the length of the new shoots. If planted in autumn, the first trim should coincide with the onset of spring.

Mature shrubs, established in the garden for several years, benefit from two to three prunings annually, allowing better management over their form and size. Moreover, regular trimming is not only aesthetic but also promotes the plant's health by removing any damaged or deceased sections.