Whether as an accent in the classicGarden or as a hedge plant: Boxwoods have become an integral part of the German garden. The small shrub has also established itself as a popular element of garden design worldwide. Now the question arises for the hobby gardener: “What types of boxwood are there?” We list different types of boxwood for you that can be used in a variety of ways depending on the garden situation.
Although there is a big one worldwideVariety of boxwood speciesThere are three in particular that are widespread in Europe: the small-leaved boxwood, the common boxwood and the Japanese boxwood. Each of these three types of boxwood has its advantages and disadvantages and can be used differently in the home garden depending on your wishes and variety. We give you an overview and list the particularly resistant boxwood varieties.
Different types of boxwood at a glance: The common boxwood (Buxus Sempervirens)
The common boxwood belongs to the genus Buxus. It's about a native plant that is widespread in southern and central Europe. The common boxwood is evergreen and hardy and reaches a maximum height of up to 4 meters. However, since the common boxwood grows very slowly and can be cut back, it is perfect as a hedge plant and for planting on the property border.
Use:The plant also has other uses in the home garden. The topiary can divide the property into several areasServe as a bed border, frame garden paths and terraces and can simply be used as decoration in the garden. From box balls to squares and cones: With secateurs, the common boxwood can be shaped into the desired shape without much effort.
Demands on location and soil, care:The plant thrives best in sunny, shady and partially shaded locations. When it comes to soil, the common boxwood is undemanding: a loose, humus-rich garden soil offers the best conditions for rapid growth. Since the plant needs a lot of water, good drainage is an absolute must.
Advantages:Hardy, evergreen, bee-friendly
Disadvantages:Grows very slowly, it takes several years until opaque protection is created.
The common boxwood: resistant varieties
There are numerous varieties of boxwood that...against pestsand fungi are resistant. Below we list several varieties that are particularly popular among hobby gardeners.
- The “Graham Blandy” varietyis also fungus resistant. The shrub is tall, has a columnar shape and is therefore suitable as an accent in the bed and as a container plant.
- “North Star” is a fungus-resistant variety.It is very rarely attacked by the fungus “Fusarium buxicola”. This fungus causes boxwood wilt, a disease in which individual branches die. The variety “North Star” has a compact, spherical growth and is theperfect plant for the terrace border.
- The boxwood variety “Dee Runk”has an upright, compact growth and can be quickly and easily cut into the desired shape. This variety is ideal for hedges. As a container plant, it is primarily used as a privacy screen for terraces and balconies.
Small-leaved boxwood (Buxus microphylla): The perfect container plant
The small-leaved boxwood impresses with its compact but dense growth and its shiny, deep green leaves. The evergreen plant naturally has a spherical shape that can be given various shapes. The boxwood grows very slowly. It takes about 10 years until it reaches 75 cm high and 75 cm wide.
Use:The perennial can be used as a solitary plant on the edge of the lawn, in garden corners or on the terrace. As a container plant, it can form beautiful ensembles together with ornamental grasses, cypresses and flowers. It is also used in floristry.
Demands on location, soil and care:The plant is hardy and evergreen and can even tolerate temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius. The perennial prefers a location in full sun or partial shade. It can also thrive in shady areas if watered regularly. A moderately moist, nutrient-rich and calcareous soil proves to be optimal.
Advantages:Numerous possible uses: as a solitary plant or for low hedges
Disadvantages:Grows an average of 10 cm per year
Small-leaved boxwood: Low varieties
- The “Golden Dream” varietyhas yellow-green leaves that can create an attractive contrast to other evergreen plants in the garden. This small-leaved boxwood reaches a maximum height of 1 meter and does not grow more than 60 cm wide. As a rule, however, most plants remain around 60 cm high and 40 cm wide.
- Also the “Sprinter” varietygrows to a height of around 60 to 80 cm. The maximum height is 1 meter, but the plant grows very slowly. It is a low variety that looks good in both planters and flower beds.
- Another low variety is “John Baldwin.”This boxwood is characterized by its conical shape and green-blue foliage.
Different types of boxwood: The Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla japonica)
The Japanese boxwood actually comes from Korea, but was brought to Japan and cultivated there hundreds of years ago. Therefore, “Buxus microphylla japonica” is called Japanese boxwood in Europe and the USA. Visually it can hardly be distinguished from the other two boxwood varieties, but this is a fast-growing plant that grows up to 2.5 meters high. Their sprawling growth (the boxwood grows up to 3.5 meters wide) is typical of the genus.
Most boxwood varieties are fungus-resistant, hardy and rarely suffer from winter burn. “Winter burn” refers to damage to evergreen plants caused by frost. If the earth freezes at temperatures below zero, the plants can no longer absorb the water in the soil and dry out. The affected parts of the plant turn brown and the branches and leaves die. However, the Japanese boxwood has deep roots and has become accustomed to sub-zero temperatures over time. Even frozen ground doesn't bother him.
Use:Like all types of boxwood, the Japanese boxwood can be cut into the desired shape. It grows upright and is therefore primarily used as a hedge plant. But it can do much more, for example dividing the large garden into different areas and providing privacy for the terrace.
Demands on location, soil and care tips:The deciduous tree thrives in sunny, partially shaded and shady locations as long as it is watered regularly. A permeable and humus-rich soil proves to be optimal. If necessary, the young plants can be supplied with slow-release fertilizer. Good drainage is necessary because the perennial does not tolerate waterlogging.
Advantages:Grows quickly, becomes very tall, offers privacy and wind protection
Disadvantages:Thrives well in partial shade, but the common boxwood is better suited for shady locations.
The Japanese boxwood: New robust boxwood varieties
A large selection of Japanese boxwoods are available in garden centers across the United States. New, robust boxwood varieties are constantly being bred. Two varieties have also found their way into the hearts of hobby gardeners in Europe.
- The “Winter Gem” varietyis frost-proof and fungus-resistant. It grows quickly and can be easily shaped into the desired shape.
- The Varieties "Green Beauty"is characterized by its dark green leaves. This type of boxwood is very robust and can easily tolerate heat, rain, frost, high humidity and drought.
