NORTH STAR® Boxwood

Light: Boxwood is one of the only shrubs that reliably thrives in full sun to full shade. Soil: Any well-drained soil will do; though it is a broadleaf evergreen, acidic soils are not preferred – very slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils are best. Water: Average water needs. Though boxwood can show some drought tolerance, excessive dryness causes stress that can lead to pest and disease issues. Fertilizing: Little needed; one early spring application of a granular fertilizer formulated for woody plants is sufficient, unless plant experienced severe winter stress. Pruning: Sprinter boxwood naturally grows into an appealing globe shape. It may be trimmed if desired – do so after the new growth has emerged but before it hardens off, usually late spring. Remove any winter damaged portions in early spring. Other: Because it is an evergreen, boxwood can be susceptible to winter damage, with leaves turning bronze, brown, or tan. Minimize any winter damage by keeping the plants covered with a good 2-3?/5-7cm layer of shredded bark mulch. If autumn weather has been dry, water plants by hand up until the ground freezes: winter drought stress is the biggest cause of winter damage on boxwoods.