Boxwood is known to most people as a useful hedge plant. Its fine texture
and glossy leaves make attractive dividers and borders for small, knot
gardens to extensive parterres. I planted my boxwoods several years ago
as part of a foundation planting by the front door. Though this picture
doesn't do it justice, I go to some lengths to keep my plants looking good.
Since they are broadleaf evergreens they continue to transpire water during
the winter. I take two steps to help them out in this respect. First, in
the fall I water them when the weather starts getting really cold and ground
freezing is imminent. Supposedly this helps, but I'm a little skeptical.
Second--and this is the step I think really makes a difference--I apply
a liberal coating of Wilt Pruf to both sides of the leaves. This is a natural
anti-desiccant that should be applied when the temperature is at least
40 degrees Fahrenheit. I also take the time to prune the shrubs carefully.
Because they are evergreen, a cut leaf is there for a while. So, in December
I take my trusty Felcos out and carefully cut back the longest branches
several inches all the time being careful to preserve the shape of the
shrub. This way I maintain a dense, yet informal look. After last year's annual trim I rooted the cuttings just for kicks. I've done it before and ended up with little potted plants that I gave out to guests on a garden tour as topiary starts. This time I ended up with so many that I'm tempted to create an 8" hedge to border one of my gardens. A little formal curb of green would nicely set off the the less organized plantings from the lawn.
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