Classic Garden Chic

Some garden elements never go out of style.  My favorite all-purpose, timeless plant is--hands down--the humble boxwood (pictured, upper right).  I've always thought that this versatile shrub is poorly named.  Sure, it's traditionally clipped to a box-shaped hedge, but boxwood can be trimmed into shapes as limitless as the imagination.  And yes, one of the earliest uses of this obedient plant was to utilize its conformity to create the vast "garden rooms" of the opulent French courts.  But boxwood has come a long way, baby.

Let's avoid the misnomer altogether and call it by the Latin term: Buxus.  I prefer that word because it reminds me of Buxom, which means full, or plump; busty.  Properly cared-for Buxus (which, by the way, is ridiculously easy to accomplish) can literally "bust out" a move or two in your outdoor spaces.  Some of the most popular forms of this plant are as follows:

Buxus sempervirens: the grand dame of the horticultural world, this garden staple is exactly as advertised: evergreen (semper=always, and virens=green).  What's most notable in this tried-and-true shrub is its rounded shape, which needs minimal pruning.  Native primarily to southern Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, it generally matures in a shrubby form to 5-15' tall, but may grow as a tree to as much as 20-30' tall. Small, elliptic to oval to oblong leaves (1/2" to 1 1/2" long) are simple, opposite, smooth-margined and evergreen. Leaves are dark glossy green above and yellowish-green below. Inconspicuous flowers in axillary clusters are pale green to yellow to creamy white. Flowers appear in April and May, but you've really got to look to see them.

Boxwood can be somewhat temperamental in the Northeast, where its evergreen foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. Otherwise, boxwood requires little special care other than annual pruning. No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be a problem in poorly-drained soils. The main insect pests of boxwoods are boxwood leaf miner, and boxwood mite.

Buxus microphylla 'Japonica':  Fast-growing, very hardy boxwood, native to the hills of Japan.  Foliage is brighter green, and the growing habit is looser, so more intense pruning is required.

Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa':   This dwarf version, also known as "Dutch Box," is slow-growing, more compact, and lighter in color.  Makes a great potted plant for patios or as edging due to its much smaller size (usually no larger than 2-3 feet tall and wide).

I think the perennial appeal of these glamorous garden gems is their ability to stand alone or gather into gorgeous groupings--creating a sense of style that never goes out of season.