Green Velvet Boxwood

Low hedges are a great way to bring order and structure to your garden, and they create a classic look that works especially well with older homes. The most popular and useful plant for this is English Boxwood, which clips easily and always looks fresh and green all year round. The problem is that in colder areas it is not very hardy and can turn brown and die back in winter. Some other types of boxwood (especially the Korean Boxwood) are hardier but they do not make such attractive, dense hedges.

For all those reasons, plant breeders have answered the prayers of gardeners in colder areas and blended the beauty of the classic English Boxwood with the hardiness of Korean Boxwood, to bring us the Green Velvet Boxwood. This plant is an absolute winner in any garden, with its moderate size and dense foliage, but it is a special blessing for those who live where the winter plunges to minus 30 degrees. Those gardeners have previously only looked in envy at the beautiful boxwood hedges of gardens in warmer areas, but now they too can have the perfect, all-year boxwood hedge.

Growing Green Velvet Boxwood Shrubs

Green Velvet Boxwood is a low-growing rounded shrub that will reach 3 or 4 feet in height, and spread outwards by about the same amount. It has small, rounded leaves that are glossy, thick and an attractive shade of rich green. Left unclipped it is a useful shrub for all-year permanence in foundation plantings around your home, or as a background plant among other shrubs or flowers. Most gardeners will choose it for clipped specimens or hedges, to bring order and formality to their gardens.

Uses on Your Property

It will grow well in sun or partial-shade, so it can be used all over the garden – wherever you need a round globe or a low hedge. It looks perfect on either side of a doorway – in the ground or in a pair of elegant pots – or as globes or other simple shapes among dwarf shrubs and flowers. Planted as low hedge it can edge a pathway, a driveway, flower beds, or features like fountains or ponds. Wherever you need a strong green line drawn, Green Velvet Boxwood is your ‘go-to’ choice.

Planting and Initial Care

Choose a sunny or partially-shaded location for your boxwood specimens or hedge. For a hedge, place the plants 12-15 inches apart in a row, preparing the ground before you plant by adding plenty of rich organic material to the soil. The Green Velvet Boxwood will grow in most well-drained garden soils. If you are going to clip your plants into round balls, or a hedge, begin clipping soon after planting, to develop a dense structure. You can clip you plants several times a year, if needed.

Wait until the new growth begins to turn darker green, and then clip. Do not clip late in the fall or during the winter. Always slope the sides of your hedge inwards a little, to keep the leaves growing right to the ground. Use a fertilizer for evergreen plants in the spring, and again in mid-summer for the strongest and healthiest growth. You can also leave you plants to develop naturally. They will become an attractive dense, rounded bush about 3 feet tall and wide.

History and Origins of the Green Velvet Boxwood

The English boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’) is a dwarf form of the American boxwood, which is actually a European plant brought to American in 1653 to adorn the colonial gardens. It was not hardy enough for colder areas, and so other boxwoods from Asia were introduced in the 19^th century, including the Korean boxwood. That plant (Buxus sinensis var. insularis) is much more reliable in cold climates. Canadians know well the problems of gardening in cold climates, and it was Sheridan Nurseries, in Montreal, Canada, who used the English and Korean boxwoods to develop ‘Green Velvet’, which they released in 1973. This tried and true hybrid variety was awarded a Gold Medal in 1997 by the prestigious Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Buying Green Velvet Boxwoods at The Tree Center

This is obviously a special variety, and regular boxwoods, especially cheap seedlings, will not have the winter hardiness and dense, rounded form of this plant. Our plants are grown for us by specialist growers using stem pieces derived from those original Canadian plants, so we know that you will receive the true Green Velvet Boxwood, and not some cheap and inferior substitute. Green Velvet Boxwood is a superb and hardy plant that has many uses in your garden. We have a good supply of plants, but we know they will sell quickly, so avoid disappointment, order now and your plants will arrive in a just a few days. Then you can start growing this great plant in your own garden, and see for yourself what a performer it is.

What are the best companion plants for the Green Velvet Boxwood?

The Green Velvet Boxwood’s dense, rounded form and year-round rich green color make it a great companion for a variety of plants. It pairs well with flowering shrubs like azaleas and rhododendrons, providing a nice contrast with their vibrant blooms. Perennials like hostas and ferns also work well, as they thrive in similar sun conditions. For a more formal look, consider pairing it with roses or hydrangeas. Its dense foliage also provides a great backdrop for colorful annuals.

How often should I water my Green Velvet Boxwood?

When you first plant your Green Velvet Boxwood, it will need regular watering to establish its root system. This usually means watering it once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Once established, however, the plant is quite drought-tolerant and can withstand normal summer dry periods. During these times, you may only need to water it once every two weeks or so. Always check the soil before watering – if the top inch or so is dry, it’s time to water.

Can Green Velvet Boxwood be grown in containers?

Yes, Green Velvet Boxwood is an excellent choice for container gardening. Its moderate size and ability to be clipped into round balls make it a great focal point in pots. When growing in containers, ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape and size, making it a perfect choice for balconies, patios, or framing a doorway.

What pests or diseases should I watch out for with Green Velvet Boxwood?

One of the advantages of the Green Velvet Boxwood is its resistance to pests and diseases. However, like any plant, it’s not completely immune. Potential issues could include boxwood blight, a fungal disease that causes leaf loss and dieback. Pests such as boxwood leafminer, boxwood mite, or boxwood psyllid can also occasionally be a problem. Regular inspection of your plant and good cultural practices can help prevent these issues.

How do I prune my Green Velvet Boxwood to maintain its shape?

Pruning your Green Velvet Boxwood helps maintain its shape and promotes denser growth. Start pruning soon after planting. You can prune it into a round ball or any shape you prefer. Prune several times a year, if needed, but avoid pruning late in the fall or during winter. Always make sure to slope the sides of your hedge inwards a little to keep the leaves growing right to the ground. Regular pruning also helps to keep the plant healthy and pest-free.

What type of soil is best for Green Velvet Boxwood?

Green Velvet Boxwood is not particularly picky about soil type, but it does prefer well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, like most plants, it will benefit from soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and fertility. This will help your boxwood establish more quickly and grow more vigorously.

How much sun does Green Velvet Boxwood need?

Green Velvet Boxwood is quite adaptable when it comes to light conditions. It can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, for the best growth and most dense foliage, a site with full sun or light shade is ideal. If planted in too much shade, the plant may become less dense and not have as vibrant a color. On the other hand, if it’s in a location with intense afternoon sun, it may experience some leaf scorch.

How fast does Green Velvet Boxwood grow?

Green Velvet Boxwood is considered a moderate grower. It can reach a height and spread of 3 to 4 feet. However, the growth rate can vary depending on the growing conditions. In ideal conditions, it may grow faster, while in less than ideal conditions, the growth may be slower. Regular fertilizing in spring and mid-summer can promote healthier and more vigorous growth.

Is Green Velvet Boxwood deer resistant?

While no plant is completely deer-proof, boxwoods, including the Green Velvet Boxwood, are often considered deer-resistant. They are not a preferred food source for deer, and in most cases, deer will leave them alone, especially if other more appetizing options are available. However, in periods of food scarcity, deer may nibble on boxwoods. If deer are a significant problem in your area, you may want to take additional measures to protect your plants.

Can Green Velvet Boxwood tolerate air pollution?

Yes, Green Velvet Boxwood is known for its ability to tolerate urban conditions, including air pollution. This makes it a good choice for urban gardens or landscapes near roads or highways. However, like all plants, it will still appreciate good cultural care, including regular watering, feeding, and pruning, to help it stay healthy and vigorous in these challenging conditions.