Buxus 'Green Mountain' - 'Green Mountain' Boxwood

Buxus 'Green Mountain', also known as Green Mountain Boxwood, is a vigorous evergreen shrub distinguished by its bright green foliage, maintaining good colour even during the long winter months. With its naturally upright, cone-shaped habit, it is a top choice for topiary enthusiasts and adds a touch of elegance to container arrangements or formal gardens. Used in mass plantings, it can create sculpted or more natural-looking hedges.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The leaves are a bright, glossy green. The colour holds up well throughout the winter. The foliage is evergreen.
• Bloom: The bloom occurs from April to May, with small, inconspicuous greenish-cream flowers. The main interest of this plant lies in its foliage.
• Light: It prefers full sun or partial sun. It can tolerate shade, but foliage density may be reduced. Some afternoon shade can even be beneficial to prevent winter browning.
• Habit: Its habit is naturally conical and upright (erect).
• Growth: Growth is moderate. It can reach a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters (5 feet) and a width of 0.6 to 0.9 meters (2 to 3 feet) in its natural form.
• Humidity: It prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil.
• Soil: It thrives in enriched, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. A mixture of soil, sand, and organic matter (such as compost) is ideal.
• Temperature: It is hardy for zones 5 to 9. For Canada, this means it can generally survive our winters, especially in regions less exposed to severe cold. Protection from drying winter winds can be beneficial, especially for young plants. Hardiness zone : generally zone 5, but may vary depending on microclimates.
• Watering: Water regularly and deeply during the first growing season to encourage the root system to establish. Once established, frequency can be reduced. Water when the top 7-8 centimetres (3 inches) of soil are dry.

Usage

• Usage Types: Excellent for hedges, borders, mass plantings, topiary, and as an accent in formal gardens or in pots. It can also be used to create knot gardens.
• Decorative Advantages: Its natural conical shape provides an interesting vertical structure in the garden. Its bright green foliage and good winter colour make it an asset year-round. It is ideal for creating elegant shaped forms.

Care

• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring. A balanced fertilizer for evergreen shrubs is appropriate.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape. Pruning can be done after the last spring frost. Avoid cultivating around plants as their roots are shallow. An organic mulch (bark or compost) can help conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
• Repotting: If grown in a pot, repot as needed into a slightly larger container with good potting mix.
• Propagation: Can be propagated by cuttings.