Hi, New to all this. I would like to plant a variegated boxwood hedge in my front yard. Is this a good idea or is a blight mentioned in 2011 still a problem? Also, this area gets quite hot in the mornings, but has afternoon shade. Thanks for advice. PoMo Gardener
what final size are you hoping for? height? width? what is the length of your hedge? is it for ultimate privacy (big, wide, and tall) ---- or more of a low divider hedge (can't think of the design term) some boxwoods grow taller and narrower etc - there are many types - here is a good article to start your planning - http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/home_and_garden/a_guide_to_garden_hedges.php
Hi, The hedge would about 8 feet long, in front of our dining room window (it would have room to grow up but I want to keep it fairly short), then around a right angle corner for an additional 4-5 feet. No for privacy, just for looks. Thanks.
a note about "variegated" ----- I have always found the variegated more of a challenge in any species - I would go with solid green. However - I am willing to be corrected by the bona fide experts here. I would make sure you plant them enough away from your foundation - siding of your house. also - have you looked at something that you can personally deal with without gas/electric shearing tools? for example - now this is far more open than a hedge - but you could layer - I am a big fan of Cornus Arctic Fire (grows shorter than usual cornus) - fab red twigs in winter - green tiny leaves now - then fuller thru summer - then they fall off at the usual time (Thxgiving time) - back to red twigs - easy pruning that you could manage on your own with hand clippers - and put the clippings in the decor pots you have either side of your gate or front door entry etc - like how you see the winter potted arrangements outside the hotels downtown THEN - a row of topiary size boxwood to the viewer side (not the house foundation side) - to fill it in - that could look nice. The boxwood that is meant to grow small makes a nice loose ball size (like a large beach ball) and can be sheared back if necess - it takes a few years.
If you are looking for a compact buxus ---- I found the label for some compact boxwood i've had since 2011 in both a super HOT south-facing location - and a shadier east facing location - nice bright green color - no brown leaves over the winter - I planted in large pots - I used sea soil it is called "Buxus Green Velvet" the label does not indicate which grower - however, here is info from Monrovia (a well-known grower out west North Am) http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/407/green-velvet-boxwood/
QUESTION - Ron B - so when this nursery says it's a cross of Korean and English boxwoods (out of Ontario apparently) - is that still susceptible to the blight you describe? http://www.waysidegardens.com/boxwood-green-velvet/p/v1089/ what are the symptoms of blight - and how does one safely dispose of the victims? (or prunings)? is this university extension webpage describing the same issue - I have not seen this around here near Vancouver BC - tho some people may well have - i have for sure seen the "cold weather" rust colored leaves on Buxus here. http://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/boxwood-buxus-spp-box-blight thank you
