Green Velvet is the 'go-to' boxwood for the Chicagoland area.
Whether clipped or left to grow 'au naturel,' boxwood is a versatile, evergreen shrub with small and glossy, dark-green leaves. Plant them as a hedge, edging, in containers or as a specimen plant in full shade to part sun. Boxwood is in great demand in areas where the deer roam. Deer tend to stay away because of the odor from a recently trimmed shrub.
'Green Velvet' is a durable, cold-hardy boxwood hybrid that grows well in our area (zone 5 where the Average Annual Minimum Temperature is -20 F to -10 F). This sturdy variety grows to be slightly wider than tall and retains its rounded shape, even when left untrimmed. However, it responds well to extreme pruning if you prefer a tidier appearance. Boxwood is a good choice for formal garden designs where clipped boxwood is used as edging or hedges that define small or large outdoor spaces.
Plant Boxwood for:
1. Structure in a knot garden or parterre... a decorative garden bed with symmetrical patterns made from boxwood, flowering annuals, herbs, sand, gravel or bricks.
2. Low hedge at 4 ft. tall or less: Dense, evergreen hedging that defines walkways or garden borders.
3. Foundation planting: This slow-growing shrub won't overtake foundation area or windows. They will provide dense, evergreen color and texture throughout the entire year.
4. Edging: 2 ft. tall or less shrubbery that defines garden or herb gardens or decorative areas.
5. Specimen: Single boxwood plants that are clipped into ornamental shapes or topiaries, spiral, multiple spheres or cones.
Plant Care
Name: Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus x 'Green Velvet'')
Size: 3' to 4’ tall and wide
Light: Full shade to part sun. Extremely shade tolerant.
Water: Regular watering. Water weekly or more often in heat of summer or when planted in containers.
Growth: 2" to 3" per year
Pros: Slow to medium growth. Deer and rabbit resistant
Zone: 5 - 8
Siting: Place boxwood in locations that are sheltered from harsh winds or direct sun in winter.
Maintenance: Low to medium care... depending on the amount of pruning that is preferred.