Boxwoods defined spaces in Egyptian landscapes over 5,000 years ago, but were not introduced into the American landscape until 1653. Today, there are more than 160 different cultivars available making boxwood a popular choice for modern and contemporary gardens.

Boxwood or Buxus are preferred not only for their ability to define a garden's framework, but also for providing winter interest through a variety of foliage colors and textures. Additionally, in the spring the flowers emit a sweet smell.

Versatility is also a characteristic of boxwoods. Gardeners can prune or shear boxwood into a number of different shapes and forms including topiary, bonsai and low-growing hedges.

Although boxwoods will grow in full sun, they perform better in partial sun. The amount of moisture in the soil is also important, as they do not like wet soils. Allow the boxwood to dry between waterings. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.2 is recommended for optimum plant growth.

When incorporating boxwood into the garden, it is important to choose the correct cultivar for the climate and to consider the desired form and texture. 'Chicagoland Green ® Boxwood' (Buxus 'Glencoe') can withstand temperatures as low as 37 degrees F below zero, making it an excellent winter-hardy selection for Iowa gardens. It has a spreading habit and can reach 3 feet in height. Another cultivar, B. 'Green Gem,' can also withstand relatively cold temperatures, requires little pruning, and has attractive deep green foliage. For a larger cultivar try B. 'Green Mountain,' but be sure to protect this cultivar from strong winds to prevent winter damage to the foliage.

View more than 500 hedged Buxus 'Green Mountain' in the Traditional Topiaries display at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens Conservatory.

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