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Many Different Types of Boxwoods Exist and are Perfect for Michigan Gardens
There are many different types of boxwood varieties, each with unique characteristics and uses. In total, there are over 150, plus or minus, distinct boxwood varieties, making boxwoods one of the most diverse shrubs available. Among these varieties, common boxwoods include English Boxwood, American Boxwood, and Japanese Boxwood. Each of these boxwood varieties offers specific traits, such as growth habits, leaf shapes, sizes, and color variations.
Dwarf boxwood varieties are perfect for small gardens and low pathway hedges, while larger boxwood varieties are ideal for larger, more formal hedges and borders.
Many boxwood varieties are known for their hardiness and low maintenance, making boxwoods an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used in formal gardens or casual landscapes, the diverse range of boxwood varieties ensures there is a perfect boxwood for every garden style. By exploring the many boxwood varieties, gardeners can find the perfect boxwood shrub for their landscape. We at English Gardens of Michigan are here to help you choose the perfect boxwood variety for your garden.
Boxwoods are categorized sometimes by their natural shape growing habits such as mounded, globose, and pyramidal, and then subcategorized by such terms such as broadly mounded, broader than tall, etc. Terms like open, loose, compact and tight are also used when referring to the growth habits of boxwoods. Knowing what you are looking for in terms of mature appearance will help you choose the right cultivar.
The Chicago Botanical Gardens performed a multiyear winter survey of boxwoods to determine well performing boxwoods for the Northern Midwest region and have recommended “’Glencoe’, ‘Green Gem’, ‘Green Mound’, ‘Green Mountain’, ‘Green Velvet’, B. microphylla ‘Fiorii’ and B. sinica var. insularis ‘Winter Beauty’” for boxwoods that do best in our Michigan climate.
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Why Boxwood Shrubs in Your Michigan Garden and Landscape
Boxwood shrubs are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to maximize their potential in your garden and landscape. Boxwood shrubs are perfect for creating elegant hedges that define the boundaries of garden spaces and outdoor rooms. Many gardeners use boxwood shrubs to form intricate topiaries, adding a touch of artistry to their yards. Additionally, boxwood shrubs make excellent foundation plantings, providing a lush, evergreen backdrop for other flowering plants and shrubs. The dense foliage of boxwood shrubs is ideal for privacy screens, helping to create secluded garden areas and property lines.
Boxwoods can also be used as edging plants along pathways creating more formal movement throughout the landscape. For those with smaller spaces, dwarf boxwood shrubs are perfect for both smaller low lying pathway borders, as well as container gardening, bringing greenery to walkways, patios and balconies. Boxwood shrubs grow well in both formal and casual garden settings, making them a great choice for any yard.
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Growing Conditions for Boxwoods in Your Michigan Garden
- Boxwood shrubs grow and look their best in conditions that include well-drained soil that is rich in organic nutrients.
- Boxwood shrubs prefer a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5, which helps them absorb essential nutrients.
- When selecting a location, choose a spot in your Michigan garden or landscape that offers partial to full sunlight, as boxwood shrubs need at least four to six hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering is very important for boxwood shrubs, especially during their first year of growth. Ensure that boxwood shrubs receive consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot and eventual death of the shrub. Mulching around boxwood shrubs helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Pruning boxwood shrubs regularly promotes air circulation and prevents disease.
- Fertilizing boxwood shrubs in early spring with a balanced fertilizer supports their growth.
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Boxwoods and the Michigan Seasons!
Boxwood shrubs are known for their resilience, but how well do they withstand the sometimes extreme weather conditions we experience in Michigan?
Boxwood shrubs can endure a variety of challenging environments if provided with proper care. In colder climates such that we experience in here in Michigan from time to time during the winter months, boxwood shrubs are susceptible to winter burn caused by harsh winds and freezing temperatures. To protect boxwood shrubs, it is essential to provide a layer of mulch around the base, which insulates the roots and retains moisture. Additionally, wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap can shield them from strong winds and ice damage, and consideration should also be made for tenting the shrubs with something more sturdy.
During hot and dry periods we sometimes experience in Michigan during the summer months, boxwood shrubs require consistent watering to maintain their health. Boxwood shrubs can suffer from drought stress, leading to browning and leaf drop. To combat this, ensure that boxwood shrubs are planted in well-drained soil and water them deeply during prolonged summer dry periods. Providing shade during the hottest part of the day can also help boxwood shrubs tolerate extreme heat, this may mean planting them under the cover of daylight peak sun periods utilizing the suns mo