When to plant Boxwood?

Boxwood thrives in a wide range of positions, from full sun to full shade, though partial shade is ideal in hot, exposed sites to prevent leaf scorch. It tolerates loam, chalky soil, and clay soil equally well, provided drainage is reasonable. Heavy clay benefits from the addition of grit or coarse organic matter at planting time to improve structure and prevent waterlogging. Plant boxwood between March and May or in September and October, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground. Container-grown plants can go in at any time within these windows, but autumn planting allows roots to establish before the growing season. For hedging, space plants 30 cm apart; for specimen shrubs, allow at least 50 cm between plants depending on the mature spread you want. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball but no deeper—boxwood resents being planted too low. The top of the root ball should sit level with the surrounding soil surface. Tease out any circling roots gently before placing the plant in the hole. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately after planting, even if the soil feels moist. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark mulch around the base, keeping it a few centimetres clear of the stems to prevent rot. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds, both of which are important while the plant establishes. Newly planted boxwood benefits from regular watering during dry spells in the first growing season, particularly if planted in spring.