Boxwood is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with small, dark green leaves that is widely grown for its attractive, fine-textured foliage. It is grown as a shrub, as a hedge and as a topiary plant. Best grown in evenly moist, well-drained loams (sand-clay mixture) in full sun to part shade. Plants will grow well in a variety of part-shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Common name of boxwood is in reference to the prior use of the wood to make boxes. Hardy in zones 6-9.
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Growing Instructions for Boxwood
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The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 6. Water the container and leave it to drain. 7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.