Best Boxwood For Full Shade (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the best boxwood for full shade, there are several factors to consider before making your purchase. First and foremost, you want to choose a variety that can thrive in shade, as some boxwoods require full sun to grow properly. Additionally, you want to consider the size and growth rate of the plant, as well as any specific attributes that you may be looking for, such as disease resistance or a certain aesthetic.
Before purchasing any boxwood for full shade, it’s important to take into account the specific needs of your planting area. Consider the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the day, as well as the soil type and moisture level. Some boxwoods are better suited for certain soil types and climates, so doing your research ahead of time can help ensure that you choose a variety that can thrive in your specific environment.
If you’re unsure of which boxwood variety to choose, asking yourself a few questions can help point you in the right direction. For instance, do you want a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning, or are you willing to put in the extra effort to keep your boxwood looking neat and tidy? Do you prefer a certain shade of green or a particular shape or size? By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find the best boxwood for your full shade planting area.
10 Best Boxwood For Full Shade
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Ideal for creating a low maintenance, evergreen hedge or landscape border that can withstand cold climates.
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2
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Ideal for planting a mix of open-pollinated wildflower seeds, including annual and perennial varieties, in partially shaded areas year-round.
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3
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It is ideal for adding color and interest to a garden or landscape with its variegated foliage and white flowers.
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4
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Ground cover for shaded areas, evergreen plant that grows well in bunches, popular for landscaping.
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5
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This product is ideal for planting ten healthy Korean Boxwood shrubs in gallon pots.
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6
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This product is ideal for adding low maintenance, artificial greenery to outdoor spaces that need a pop of decor.
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7
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Ideal for creating a wildflower blend in shaded areas of up to 100 square feet.
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8
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Ideal for creating a formal and evergreen hedge or border that is cold hardy and fast-growing.
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9
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Ideal for adding low maintenance boxwood plants to landscaping projects in areas outside of California.
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10
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This product is ideal for ground cover in shady areas due to its evergreen shade-loving properties.
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1. Wintergem Korean Boxwood – 20 Live Plants – Fast Growing Cold Hardy Evergreen Shrub
This evergreen shrub is an excellent choice for small hedges in formal gardens, providing year-round interest. It is one of the hardiest small-leaved boxwoods, with rich green foliage that can turn golden bronze in cold winter zones, but quickly regains its green color in spring. This compact shrub produces inconspicuous white flowers in spring and matures to 3-5 feet, making it perfect for small hedges.
To ensure a healthy and mature root system, this evergreen shrub requires a regular watering schedule. During the first year of growth, daily watering is necessary. Once the root system is established, weekly watering is sufficient, except during droughts, where regular watering is necessary. Mulching is recommended to prevent weeds and to maintain high moisture content. Pruning is necessary during plant maturity to encourage branch development.
This evergreen shrub thrives in partial to full sun in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, even during drought periods. Florida Foliage exclusively grows, packages, and ships this product to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
2. Wildflower Palooza: Partial Shade Mix – 1oz
Looking for high-quality seeds and expert guidance for your gardening needs? Look no further than this botanical garden seed mix! With a commitment to providing only the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds since 1985, this product is a trusted source for gardeners of all levels.
Designed specifically for partial shade areas, this seed mix contains a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that thrive with a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunshine per day. Gardener-tested and approved, you can be confident that this mix will provide the lush coverage you desire.
Containing 30,000 seeds per bulk packet, this seed mix provides over 100 sq. ft. of coverage with no fillers. That's over 1 oz. of pure, high-quality seeds! Perfect for use under trees, up against buildings, fences, and more, this mix is hardy and can be used in a variety of growing zones.
Not only is this seed mix a great addition to your own gardening collection, but it also makes the perfect Christmas gift for the gardeners in your life. Give the gift of lush, beautiful blooms all year long with this expertly designed wildflower mix.
3. Ivory Halo Variegated Dogwood Shrub In #3 Container
This stunning plant is a popular choice for enhancing any landscape, with its striking green and white foliage and attractive red stems that offer a lovely winter interest. It is delivered directly from the nursery in a 3-gallon trade pot, fully rooted in soil, and ready to be planted upon arrival, weather permitting. The plant comes with planting and care instructions, ensuring that it is easy to maintain and keep healthy.
For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant this beauty in USDA Zones 3-7. The mature height of the plant is 4-6ft, with a mature spread of 4-6ft, making it a great choice for filling out garden beds or adding a natural privacy screen. It thrives in full or partial sun, making it a versatile choice for different areas of your garden.
It is worth noting that the plant will enter a dormant phase during late fall through the winter months, during which it will have no leaves. This is completely normal, and it will leaf out again in the spring. It is advisable not to plant during frigid winter months or under drought conditions, as this may affect the plant's overall health.
4. Dwarf Mondo Grass Qty 80 Live Plants Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
This particular variety of grass is known for its dwarf size, which is only half the size of other similar plants. It creates a dense groundcover of lush, dark green grass-like clumps that provide an excellent contrast when tucked into rocks or used as an edging plant. The grass is striking in mass plantings, making it a fantastic addition to any landscape. As an evergreen plant, it adds a touch of greenery to the garden all year-round.
This perennial evergreen grass boasts a slow and clumping growth habit, reaching a height and width of 4-6 inches. The dark green foliage is dense, providing a striking contrast to other plants in the garden. This ornamental grass is highly versatile and is widely used in rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
To ensure the growth of a mature root system, this low-maintenance evergreen requires regular watering. Once the mature root system is established, occasional watering suffices, except during droughts when regular watering is necessary. Pruning old foliage is recommended to maintain a well-groomed appearance.
While similar in appearance to a ground cover commonly called Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), dwarf mondo grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture, making it a unique addition to any garden.
5. Korean Boxwood – Ten Live Plants In Gallon Pots By Das Farms
The product being offered is a set of 10 plants, shipped in trade gallon pots with soil-less media. The plants are one foot tall and are fully capable of growing to a mature height of 3-4 feet, with a moderate growth rate. The product is suitable for zones 4-8 and can be grown in full sun to part shade.
The plants come in a mounded boxed form and can be used as a specimen, foundation, or separation plant. It is important to note that California residents will not be able to order this product due to state regulations.
To ensure a successful transplant, the seller guarantees that the included planting instructions are followed and the correct location and water requirements are met. Customers can enjoy a 30-day warranty for a successful transplant. Additionally, customers can rest assured that deciduous plants purchased in the winter will leaf out in the spring under the same conditions.
The product description includes clear specifications, such as the number of plants, their size, and the zones they are suitable for. The seller also provides important information regarding the warranty, making it easier for customers to make an informed decision. Overall, this product is a great choice for those looking to add some greenery to their outdoor space.
6. Designer Topiary Ball Trees – Uv Protected Outdoors
Northwood Calliger Trees offer the most realistic and natural-looking artificial trees available in the market. These trees are not only beautiful but also durable, sturdy, and require no maintenance. They are a perfect solution for anyone who wants the beauty of live topiary trees without the hassle of caring for them.
The Northwood Calliger Trees are pre-potted and have an incredibly natural appearance that can be easily mistaken for real trees. With a deep, lush green color and four layers for depth and fullness, the leaves are absolutely stunning. The two-tone leaves are designed to mimic the look of real topiary trees. Unlike other brands that have perfectly round balls, Northwood Calliger Trees have balls that are not perfectly round. This design looks more realistic, artistic, and beautiful. Moreover, the trunks of these trees branch off into multiples, giving them a natural appearance.
The trees are sturdily built and long-lasting, making them perfect for withstanding heavy wind, hot sun, rain, and snow. They are UV and water-resistant, ensuring that the leaves stay vibrant much longer than other brands. The branches of these trees can be adjusted similar to a Christmas tree, but they are much more stiff to withstand all weather conditions. They come fully assembled and ready to pot right out of the box. Fluff them up after shipping or change their shape to your artistic eye.
Northwood Calliger Trees are maintenance-free and always neat and clean. Unlike live plants that require watering, trimming, and fertilizing, these trees require no upkeep. They are perfect for anyone who wants the high-end look of a live topiary plant without the work of caring for a live tri ball topiary. They are ideal for front door topiary trees or topiaries for front porch decor/topiaries for front entrance.
Northwood Calliger Trees are absolutely gorgeous and have received numerous positive reviews from satisfied customers. Customers have stated that the trees look even better in person than in pictures. These trees are a perfect addition to any space and will take the beauty of the space to the next level. The overall height of the ball topiary tree is about 4.6' and the width is approximately 1'.
Moreover, Northwood Calliger Trees are backed by a full 90-day money-back guarantee of complete satisfaction. If the customer is not completely satisfied with the product, they can return it for a full refund, hassle-free. However, due to limited stock, customers are encouraged to buy now and upgrade their space to Level 10 Beautiful with a topiary ball tree. Northwood Calliger Trees are truly the best artificial boxwood balls for pots and worth every penny.
7. American Seed Shade Mix, Wildflower Blend, 100 Square Foot Shaker Box (2 Ounce)
Looking for an easy and organic way to grow your garden? Look no further than this fully organic mixture that makes growing a breeze. With a germination time of just 10 days, all you need to do is apply and water to get your garden started. This mixture covers 100 square feet, giving you plenty of space to plant your favorite flowers and vegetables. And with at least 5,000 seeds in every package, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. With this fully organic mixture, you can rest easy knowing that you're using only the best ingredients to grow your garden. So why wait? Start growing today with this easy-to-use and fully organic mixture.
8. Fast-Growing Winter Gem Boxwood – 10 Live Plants
The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood, grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage, is an evergreen shrub that serves as an excellent option for small hedges. Its rich green foliage can acquire a golden bronze hue in cold winter zones, but it is one of the first to become green again in spring, making it a wonderful addition to formal gardens and providing year-round interest.
The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood is the classic hedge plant, with its dense and evergreen growth that makes it perfect for shearing into a small, formal hedge. It is ideal for defining different spaces in the garden or for a tidy foundation cover-up. Additionally, it is especially lovely against red brick and can be used as a partition to divide your front yard or driveway from your neighbor's. It is also beautiful as background foliage and creates lovely topiaries, particularly in cone shapes if planted where it snows. The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood is an excellent plant for parterres and hedge mazes.
The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood is a round-shaped cultivar that is relatively vigorous and tolerates a wide range of sites and uses. Its new foliage emerges in a lime-green color and transitions to a deep, glossy green. Although it has a tendency to bronze when exposed to direct winter sun, the bronzing will quickly disappear in spring as temperatures rise and new growth emerges. The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood is very similar to the cultivars ‘Wintergreen’ or ‘Faulkner’ and is deer resistant.
One should prune the Winter Gem Korean Boxwood each year in late winter to early spring to maintain the desired shape. Hand pruners or shears can be used, and additional lighter prunings may be necessary in early to mid-summer depending on the desired look and vigor of the plant. The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood tolerates more radical pruning if the plant has outgrown its desired size. Thinning is not necessary on this cultivar, and it is very resistant to boxwood leafminer and very tolerant to boxwood blight.
The Winter Gem Korean Boxwood is the go-to boxwood for colder areas of the country and is much more hardy than other boxwoods. It will stay fresh and green all winter, even with temperatures falling to minus 20. If you want boxwood hedges, balls, and other clipped shapes, or just want a naturally-dense and rounded evergreen shrub, this reliable plant will give you what you want.
9. Green Velvet Boxwood Duo – Low Maintenance!
The product in question is a plant that is delivered in a quart container with soilless media and double boxed for safe transport. The size of the plant shipped is clearly stated in both the title and description of the product. Please note that orders from California cannot be fulfilled due to state regulations.
This plant is suitable for growing in zones 5-9 and can reach a mature height of 3 feet with a spread of 3 feet. It has a medium growth rate and can thrive in full sun, part shade, or full shade. The soil should be well-drained to ensure proper growth.
Upon delivery, the plant will be 6-8 inches tall and comes with a guarantee of successful transplant for 30 days, provided that the included planting instructions are followed and the plant is placed in the correct location with adequate water. Plants purchased in the winter while dormant are guaranteed to leaf out in the spring, as long as the same conditions are maintained.
10. Dwarf Mondo Grass – 40 Live Plants – Shade Loving Evergreen Ground Cover Ophiopogon Japonicus Nanus
Introducing the Dwarf Mondo Grass, a perennial evergreen grass that provides a lush groundcover of dense, dark green grass-like clumps. What sets this variety apart is its size, as it is only half the size of other grasses. Its slow and clumping growth habit reaches a height of 4-6 inches with a width of 4-6 inches, making it the perfect ornamental grass for rock gardens, seashore plantings, borders, and groundcovers.
Not only is this grass visually striking, but it is also low-maintenance. It requires a regular water schedule to establish a mature root system, and after that, watering is needed occasionally, except during a drought when watering is needed regularly. To maintain a well-groomed appearance, pruning old foliage is recommended.
While similar in appearance to the commonly used Lilyturf, the Dwarf Mondo Grass has thinner leaves and a finer texture. This grass is perfect for edging or tucked into rocks to provide pleasing contrast. It is also striking in mass plantings in the landscape.
Rest assured that this grass is grown, packaged, and shipped exclusively by Florida Foliage. Choose the Dwarf Mondo Grass for a beautiful and easy-to-maintain addition to your landscape.
Best Boxwood For Full Shade FAQs
Are there any boxwood varieties that are more suitable for full shade than others?
Yes, there are some boxwood varieties that are more suitable for full shade than others. Boxwoods are a popular choice for hedges, topiaries, and borders because of their dense foliage and slow growth. However, most boxwood varieties prefer full sun to partial shade and may not thrive in full shade conditions.
One boxwood variety that is well-suited for full shade is the Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla). It has a compact growth habit and can tolerate low light conditions. Other shade-tolerant boxwood varieties include the Korean boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis) and the English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’). These varieties have smaller leaves and a slower growth rate, making them ideal for small gardens or as accent plants.
It’s essential to note that even shade-tolerant boxwood varieties still require some sunlight to thrive. They should receive at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light per day. Additionally, proper soil drainage and regular maintenance, such as pruning and fertilizing, are necessary for healthy growth.
Can boxwood be used in full shade landscaping designs?
Yes, boxwood can be used in full shade landscaping designs. While boxwoods are known for their tolerance of partial shade to full sun, there are some varieties that can thrive in full shade. These varieties include the Japanese boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) and the Korean boxwood (Buxus sinica var. insularis). These varieties have adapted to grow in low-light conditions and can provide a rich, green foliage texture to a shady garden bed. However, it's important to note that even shade-tolerant boxwoods still need some light to grow and thrive. If the area is too dark, it may be necessary to prune surrounding trees or to add supplemental lighting to the area. Additionally, it's important to ensure proper soil drainage and moisture levels to prevent root rot in boxwoods grown in shaded areas.
Can boxwood survive in full shade without any direct sunlight?
Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub that can grow well in a variety of light conditions. Although boxwood can tolerate some shade, it is not ideal for them to be in full shade without any direct sunlight. Boxwood requires at least a few hours of sunlight a day to thrive, as it needs the sunlight to photosynthesize and produce food for itself. In full shade, boxwood may become leggy, have poor growth, and may not survive. It is important to note that different varieties of boxwood have different light requirements, so it is important to select the right variety for the light conditions of your garden. If you have a shaded area, you may consider planting English boxwood, which is known to tolerate some shade, or other shade-tolerant plants.
How do I care for my boxwood in full shade?
Boxwoods are a popular evergreen shrub that can thrive in full shade with proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your boxwood in full shade:
1. Water – Boxwoods require consistent moisture, especially when they are young. Make sure to water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
2. Fertilizer – Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring and again in the fall. Avoid fertilizing in the summer, as this can cause the shrub to put on new growth that may not harden off before winter.
3. Pruning – Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of your boxwood. Prune in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
4. Mulch – Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the shrub to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
5. Soil – Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. If your soil is heavy or compacted, add organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your boxwood thrives in full shade and remains an attractive addition to your landscape.
How do I choose the best boxwood for my shaded garden?
When choosing the best boxwood for your shaded garden, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to determine the amount of shade your garden receives. Boxwoods prefer partial to full shade, making them an ideal choice for shaded gardens. However, some varieties are more shade-tolerant than others, so it's important to select a variety that can thrive in the specific amount of shade your garden receives.
Next, consider the size and growth habit of the boxwood you want to plant. Some boxwoods grow tall and narrow, while others grow short and wide. Choose a variety that will fit well in your space and complement the other plants in your garden.
Finally, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your garden. Boxwoods come in a variety of colors and textures, so choose a variety that will complement the other plants in your garden and add visual interest.
Overall, when choosing the best boxwood for your shaded garden, consider the amount of shade your garden receives, the size and growth habit of the boxwood, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.
What are some common problems that boxwoods face when grown in full shade?
Boxwoods are popular evergreen shrubs that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. However, when grown in full shade, they can face some common problems that can impact their growth and health.
One of the most significant problems that boxwoods face in full shade is poor air circulation. When grown in dense shade, boxwoods are more susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot, canker, and root rot. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, leaf drop, and even death of the shrub.
Another common issue in full shade is the lack of sunlight. Boxwoods require at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. When grown in full shade, they may become leggy, with thin and weak branches that are more susceptible to breakage.
Lastly, boxwoods grown in full shade may also face issues with pests like spider mites and scale insects. These pests thrive in warm, humid conditions and can damage the leaves and stems of the plant.
To avoid these problems, it's best to plant boxwoods in partial shade and provide them with proper care, including regular watering, fertilization, and pruning. This will help ensure healthy growth and a long lifespan for your boxwoods.
What are some of the best boxwood varieties that grow well in full shade?
Boxwoods are an excellent choice for adding structure and texture to your garden. However, not all varieties of boxwoods thrive in full shade. Some of the best boxwood varieties that grow well in full shade are:
1. Green Velvet: This compact variety has dark green glossy leaves that hold their color well in shade.
2. Wintergreen: This variety has a denser growth habit and retains its rich green color throughout the winter.
3. Green Mountain: This variety has an upright growth habit and can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has dark green leaves that turn bronze in the winter.
4. Dee Runk: This variety has a narrow, upright growth habit and can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has dark green leaves that hold their color well in shade.
5. Dwarf English Boxwood: This slow-growing variety has small, dark green leaves that make it perfect for small gardens or container gardening.
When selecting a boxwood variety for full shade, it is important to choose a variety that has a dense growth habit and dark green leaves that can withstand low light conditions.
What are some tips for growing boxwood in full shade?
Boxwoods are versatile evergreen shrubs that are ideal for a variety of landscapes. While they prefer sunny locations, they can also grow well in full shade. Here are some tips for growing boxwood in full shade:
1. Choose the right cultivar – Some boxwood cultivars are better suited for growing in full shade. Look for varieties such as 'Green Velvet,' 'Green Mountain,' or 'Green Gem.'
2. Prepare the soil – Boxwoods prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and acidity.
3. Water regularly – Boxwoods in full shade may require more frequent watering than those in sunny locations. Water deeply once a week to ensure the roots have access to moisture.
4. Fertilize appropriately – Use a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid using too much nitrogen, which can cause the plant to become leggy.
5. Prune regularly – Regular pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the plant and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow boxwoods in full shade and enjoy their beautiful evergreen foliage year-round.
What are the benefits of growing boxwood in full shade?
Boxwood is a popular evergreen plant that is commonly grown in gardens and landscapes. While it is often grown in full sun, boxwood can also thrive in full shade. In fact, there are several benefits to growing boxwood in full shade.
One of the main benefits of growing boxwood in full shade is that it can help to protect the plant from harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures. This can help to prevent sunscald and other issues that can damage the plant. Additionally, boxwood grown in full shade tends to have a more compact growth habit, which can make it easier to maintain and prune.
Another benefit of growing boxwood in full shade is that it can help to conserve water. Boxwood grown in full shade requires less water than those grown in full sun, which can be beneficial in areas where water is scarce or expensive.
Overall, growing boxwood in full shade can be a great option for those looking to add a low-maintenance, attractive evergreen plant to their garden or landscape. With proper care and attention, boxwood can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, including full shade.
Which boxwood cultivars are most tolerant of low light conditions?
When it comes to growing boxwood in low light conditions, there are a few cultivars that are more tolerant than others. One such cultivar is the Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. japonica), which can handle partial shade and still maintain its compact shape and glossy green leaves. Another cultivar that can thrive in low light conditions is the Winter Gem Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. koreana 'Winter Gem'). This cultivar is also known for its tolerance to cold weather and resistance to pests and diseases.
However, it's important to note that while some boxwood cultivars may tolerate low light conditions, they still require some sunlight to thrive. Ideally, they should receive at least three to four hours of direct sunlight per day. So, if you're planning to grow boxwood in an area with limited sunlight, it's best to choose a cultivar that is known for its tolerance to shade and ensure that it still receives some sunlight throughout the day.
