From yellow to green: The simple secret to reviving your boxwood

Boxwood is becoming increasingly popular in Canadian gardens. It's a favoured shrub, presenting a sturdy alternative to thuja. With its resilience and uncomplicated care requirements, including timely watering and pruning, it's easy to see why. But what should you do when the leaves start to yellow? Fortunately, a straightforward treatment can address this issue.

One of the primary reasons gardeners favour boxwood is its adaptability to various conditions. It thrives in both full sunlight and shaded areas, making it a preferred choice over thuja for many.

In any garden, boxwood stands out with its pristine appearance. It is versatile as a decorative hedge and a vibrant border around flower beds. The shrub's small, rich green leaves draw admiring glances from you and neighbours peeking over the fence. Moreover, boxwood is notably resistant to diseases and pests. Its form can be easily shaped to your liking, as it responds well to trimming. Boxwood can grow up to about 3 meters tall.

Proper pruning, ideally conducted in the spring and summer months, is key to maintaining boxwood's density and lush appearance. To prevent plant stress, avoid pruning during the day's peak heat.

The approach to pruning depends mainly on when the plant was initially placed in the garden. For those planted in spring, the first pruning should occur soon after the boxwood has established roots. Using sharp shears and cutting back half the length of new shoots is advised. If your planting took place in the fall, the inaugural trim should coincide with the onset of spring.

For mature shrubs that have been part of your garden for some time, pruning twice to thrice a year is beneficial. Regular maintenance allows you to dictate the size and form of your boxwood and contributes to the plant's health by removing any damaged or diseased sections.