Growing zones
See Zone Map >Status: In stock
No sizes are available to be shipped to Tennessee
Please note: #5 containers cannot be shipped to Tennessee, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington due to size restrictions.
- Sun, Part Sun/Shade, Shade
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
3-5' x 2-3'
- Deer Resistant
- Winter Interest
- Hedges & Screens
Planting & Care for Deciduous Shrub - Upright Boxwood Green Mountain Hedge
Preparation
- Will need additional shearing as the Buxus plant grows and develops either as pyramidal or topiary.
- If left unsheared, it will still be a more upright form but with a looser habit.
Planting boxwoods is an excellent way to set a hedge or specimen plant to take sun or bring shade to the landscape. - Mature growth is around 5' tall x 3' wide, but can be maintained at almost any size with regular pruning.
- This Buxus plant is a good alternative to Taxus Capitata.
- Boxwood – Buxus plants are compact and can work in full sun or partial shade.
- Boxwood shrubs thrive on chalk but also prosper on a wide range of other soils.
- Can serve as a boxwood hedge or foundational planting.
- Well-drained soil and weekly watering are vital. To give your plant a head start, enrich poor soil areas with bulky organic manure or slow-release fertilizer (most effective in early spring).
Opening Plant Material
- B&B: Soak root ball well. Dig a hole at least 6" wider and no deeper than the size of the ball on the plant. Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move trees by the tops.
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting B&B Trees
- Plant B&B trees in spring or fall. A good indicator of whether you can still plant is if the ground is still workable. If a hard frost is expected, hold off on planting.
- Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill ½ of the hole with soil and completely saturate the soil with water.
Once the tree is straight in the proper location, cut and remove twine. Then, remove or bend back the top of the metal basket. Lastly, remove the exposed burlap from the top of the ball. - Fill the hole to the top of the ball with soil, then soak well with water and let settle.
- The top of the root ball should be visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Add mulch on top of the soil, making sure not to put mulch against the trunk or stems.
Planting Containers
- Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
- Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
Place the root ball in the hole. - Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
- Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
Pruning - After Planting
- B&B and Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help with a Pyramid Boxwood shrub’s shape. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Typically grown as pyramidal (dense, upright, and pointed), it will need additional shearing as the plant grows and develops. If left unsheared, it will still have a more upright form but with a looser habit.
- Prune in April-May or July-August – After planting, use hedging shears to shorten shoots by a third to encourage a bushy habit. Trim hedges and topiary from April to August. If a bush is old and gaunt and needs revitalizing, cut it hard back in April or May.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Green Mountain Boxwood be used for topiary or formal hedging?
A Green Mountain Boxwood is an excellent choice for topiary and formal hedging due to its upright, conical shape and dense foliage. Its ability to withstand frequent pruning and shaping makes it ideal for creating precise, sculptural garden elements. Regular trimming helps maintain its desired form, whether in complex Boxwood topiary shapes or elegant arrays of uniform tall hedges.
Are there any common pests or diseases that affect Green Mountain Boxwood?
While Green Mountain Boxwood is relatively hardy, it can be susceptible to several issues. Boxwood blight causes leaf spots and defoliation, while root rot can develop in poorly drained soils. The presence of a particular pest, the Boxwood Leafminer, can also affect the plant’s vigor. Preventive care, including proper spacing, well-draining soil, and occasional treatments, can help maintain plant health.
How does Green Mountain Boxwood perform in the winter?
Green Mountain Boxwood performs well in winter, particularly in zones 5 through 9. It’s cold, hardy, and retains color better than many other varieties. To enhance its winter performance, it’s advisable to shield it from harsh winter winds and to ensure the soil around its roots does not freeze completely. Doing so helps prevent winter burn.
What are the best companion plants for Green Mountain Boxwood?
Ideal companion plants for Green Mountain Boxwood include those that complement its formal appearance and evergreen foliage. Hydrangeas, with their lush flowers, and Astilbe, which adds a feathery texture, are excellent choices. Both are available from McKay Nursery and offer contrasting shapes and colors that enhance the structured beauty of boxwoods in a garden setting.
How do I prune Green Mountain Boxwood?
It's best to prune the common Boxwood in spring before new growth begins. Use sharp, clean shears to make precise cuts, focusing on shaping the plant into your desired form while removing dead or diseased branches. For formal shapes and hedges, consistent heavier pruning throughout the growing season can help maintain a neat appearance and encourage thicker foliage.
Upgrade Your Landscaping With McKay Nursery
At McKay Nursery, our expertise spans over a century in the horticulture industry, enabling us to offer an exquisite selection of plants, including the stunning Green Mountain Boxwood. Nestled in Waterloo, Wisconsin, our nursery is committed to cultivating hardy and flourishing plants.
Order our Green Mountain Boxwood now and receive only the highest quality plants, each backed by our one-year warranty. If you need further assistance, contact us at [email protected] or 920-478-2121.
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.