Soil:
Evenly moist, well-drained soil. Boxwood grows well in soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
Light:
Sun (>6+ hours sun/day) to part sun (4-6 hours sun) to shade (< 4 hours sun). Boxwood can grow well in a variety of part-shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Plants can grow in close to full shade but typically are less vigorous and more open with decreased foliage density. When grown in full sun, plant foliage is more likely to scorch, bronze in winter, or suffer from mite attacks.
Water:
Average water needs: keep soil evenly moist.
Fertilizing:
Roots appreciate a good organic (e.g., bark or compost) mulch (1-2″). Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer, or slow-release fertilizer (such as Osmocote), after the second year of growth by spreading it evenly over the surface of the soil (follow label directions) and watering it in.
Winterizing:
Boxwood is best suited in locations sheltered from strong winds, with, if possible, some protection from full winter sun. Foliage may bronze in winter when exposed to half-day to full-day sun. Winter winds can remove moisture from leaves at a rapid rate, often resulting in dehydration and bronzing. Carefully remove heavy snow accumulations as quickly as practicable to minimize stem/branch damage.
Maintenance & Pruning:
Plants are generally tolerant of pruning and shearing. Pruning should never be done prior to the last spring frost date. Pruning too early in spring often promotes tender new growth that may be damaged or killed by a late spring frost. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots.
