Choosing boxwoods for low hedge, and how to space.
#1
03-29-13, 01:46 PM
Choosing boxwoods for low hedge, and how to space.
I want to plant azaleas with a low boxwood hedge in front. Here is a link to a picture of what I'd kind of want, except about about 1.25 to 1.5 feet high:
Gardens / New Orleans house with azaleas
I don't know how to choose plants for a boxwood hedge. I am assuming that if it says it's expected height is 2 feet, then it can still be trimmed to 1.25 feet? Are there any varieties that are best and typically available at stores?
Next question would be how do you space them? For instance, if it says it will usually grow 2 feet in width, then would you still place them at 2 feet for a hedge? I was afraid that if they meant it would make a round ball 2 feet wide in all directions, then they would not touch on the sides.
Thanks for your help!
Gardens / New Orleans house with azaleas
I don't know how to choose plants for a boxwood hedge. I am assuming that if it says it's expected height is 2 feet, then it can still be trimmed to 1.25 feet? Are there any varieties that are best and typically available at stores?
Next question would be how do you space them? For instance, if it says it will usually grow 2 feet in width, then would you still place them at 2 feet for a hedge? I was afraid that if they meant it would make a round ball 2 feet wide in all directions, then they would not touch on the sides.
Thanks for your help!
#2
03-30-13, 05:16 AM
Group Moderator
Simply checking at your local home stores and nurseries will tell you what's available in your area. You should be able to find some variety of dwarf boxwood since they are pretty common.
I only have a few dwarf boxwood and can not remember the specific variety. I will say they grow very, very slowly. They tolerate pruning very well as long as you prune them regularly. They don't like to be heavily pruned so don't let them go for several years then try to cut their size by 50% but annual pruning is no problem.
How close to space them will depend on the look you want. If you want to prune them to be a continuous hedge I would plant them very close. The exact spacing will depend on the size plants you buy but they don't increase in width as readily as non dwarf varieties so I would go closer than I would with other plants.
I only have a few dwarf boxwood and can not remember the specific variety. I will say they grow very, very slowly. They tolerate pruning very well as long as you prune them regularly. They don't like to be heavily pruned so don't let them go for several years then try to cut their size by 50% but annual pruning is no problem.
How close to space them will depend on the look you want. If you want to prune them to be a continuous hedge I would plant them very close. The exact spacing will depend on the size plants you buy but they don't increase in width as readily as non dwarf varieties so I would go closer than I would with other plants.
