I had a question posted about which would be better suited for a zone 8, small clipped hedge; Green Mountain or Green Velvet boxwoods. Similar to use in this garden.
My recommendation would be to use the Green Velvet Boxwood. These are low growing boxwoods that stay dense and continue to hold color through the winter. I also have this vesitale boxwood used in my landscape at home. The Green Mountain Boxwood, is a larger boxwood that you typically seen clipped into larger ornamental shapes.
Green Velvet Boxwood. Low growing, bright green leaves.
For planting the Green Velvet boxwood here are some pointers:
- Plant on about 2ft centers. In the south your boxwoods will grow faster than up here, however expect them to fill in within two seasons.
- When trimming, clip only the tops for the first few trims. This will force growth horizontal first, and them give you more height after it has hedged.
- When planting, amend the soil with some organic matter (such as leaf compost). In South Carolina thesoil is more sandy and the boxwoods are heavy feeders and the organic matter will help promote growth.
- Mulch the roots, this will help keep the roots cool during the hot summers.
Green Velvet Boxwood
Comparing Green Velvet's growth over the years.
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you just made my week…and entire growing season! I struggle with actually finding individuals in SC who know a true boxwood…too many yaupon and japanese hollies put in around here. Would you mind if I post a link to your entry on my blog next week? So much useful information to share
Thank you so much
Jennifer,
So glad it helped… And by all means please post a link! I love this kind of stuff, hope I can help out more in the future.
just ordered 16 green velvet boxwoods…arriving next week. Can’t wait and can’t thank you enough
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Linked to your site in my post below. Thanks again, my green velvet boxwoods are thriving….so far, fingers crossed
http://www.jcwebbstudios.com/2012/04/thinking-inside-box.html
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Hello,
Great pictures. Do you mind telling me what is the shrub that is the closest to the house on the first picture that you compare the Green Mountain verses Green Velvet Boxwoods. Looking for shrubs for my house that I will like to plant in front of my home (windows are about 6 ft from the floor).
Thanks
This is one of my favorite Hydrangea. Hydrangea arborescens ‘Dardom’ (White Dome). Extremely hardy- prefers a little bit of afternoon shade and will stay under you windows. Cut them to the ground every year and they reflush and bloom on the new growth. Missouri Botanic Garden website with a ton of info. Hope this helps!
Am loving your blog.
Do you mind sharing what size you planted originally? 1gallon or 3 gallon?
Sarah,
Thank you so much, tell a friend or two….The ‘Green Velvet’ was planted initially as a 3 gallon. I generally go for a 3 gallon because you get a lot of bang for your buck- good price point / good size.
This is a very helpful article, especially with the pictures to give me a visual idea. In the second picture you posted, I am wondering what the name of the taller plants behind the boxwood and to the right are called? Also, the redish tree looks like a Japanese Maple…is that right? Could I use this as a low growing shrub that spreads out instead of a tree? I am trying to fill a semi circular planter that is to the left of the front walkway. I want low growing plants because I don’t want to block the porch. I’d like to use the boxwoods on the border and the Japanese Maple as a low growing shrub that can spread a little.