Boxwood (BUXUS) - 'GREEN VELVET'
Compact and bushy, 'Green Velvet' is a hybrid that combines the hardiness and compact nature of the Korean Boxwood with the velvety, deep green foliage of the English Boxwood. The lovely green foliage remains throughout the year with good resistance to winter bronzing. Planted along a lawn or walkway, this can be used as an accent, border, hedge, or foundation planting. Although delightful as a rounded form left alone, 'Green Velvet' can be pruned and shaped into a formal hedge or topiary, but only when it is in dormancy during winter months.
'Green Velvet' has a compact size at maturity of 4 feet wide and tall and is designated at USDA Hardiness Zone 5. When selecting a site, choose well-drained soil with a balance of sun and shade. Leaves may scorch in full sun, so morning sun is best for full sun exposure with protection from afternoon sun. However, if grown in full shade, leaves will not develop as densely as they should. Protect from winds and drying out as well as heavy accumulation of snow in the winter time. Tolerant of pruning as long as it is done after the first frost of the fall and before first frost free day in spring. Water deeply and regularly in first growing season to establish root system; reduce frequency once established watering after top 3 inches have dried out. Fertilize in early spring. Mulch around base to preserve moisture, keep roots cool in summer, and protect roots in winter. Do not dig around base as roots can be shallow and disturbing them may damage plant. Can be used as a hedge or pruned to a variety of formal forms. Can be left as a stand alone specimen around foundations and the back of perennial borders. Like most boxwood, this is susceptible to blights and leaf spot. Root rot can also be an issue in wet locations. Insects affecting boxwood include boxwood leaf miner, boxwood mite, and boxwood psyllid. Thinning plants annually will assist with air circulation.