Boxwood is a species of flowering plants in the genus ‘Buxus’. It is native to Western and Southern Europe, Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia, and can also be commonly seen in regions ranging from South England to northern Morocco and, in the east, through the Northern Mediterranean region to Turkey.
Its common name is common box, European box or just boxwood. It is not the only species in the Buxus genus but Buxus is a genus of about seventy species in the family Buxaceae [the family name]. So from the information above, we have gained background knowledge on Boxwood, the kind of species, its genus and its family name.
Green Mound Boxwood
This refers to a specific cultivar of boxwood and is known for its compacted, rounded growth habit and vibrant foliage. It is a hybrid boxwood cultivar that is very similar to certain types of boxwood. It is a popular choice for hedges, borders and toplaries in landscaping.
In genetics, it has a cross between Buxus sempervirens and Buxus microphylla var, which is similar to another boxwood known as Koreana, which is translated as Buxus green velvet.
Description and Features of Green Mound Boxwood
Green mound boxwood has a large compacted shrub that reaches a height of 3 to 4 feets (0.91 to 1.22 meters), and the same goes for its width . Its lustrous, evergreen leaves are borne in the opposite direction. It features tiny, light green blooms and as stated earlier, the shrubs would naturally take on a rounded appearance if it were not clipped.
Green Mound Boxwood: Species and Hybrid
This specie of boxwood comes out from the Sheridan hybrid, which is known as ‘Buxus Sinica var. Insularis x Buxus Semperviren’ by experts.
It is highly popular in the nursery trade. Cultivars like “Green gems’ , “Green Mountain,” and “Green velvet” are also examples that fall in the same category with these hybrid cultivars.
It combines the cold hardness of its gene (Buxus Sinica var. Insularis) with the darker green leaf color of B-sempervirens to get its own special breed.
Common Health Issues of Green Mound Boxwood
Green Mound Boxwood evokes formal gardens and angular lines, making it a popular option for the evergreen base of a landscape. However, the species hardness is restricted to New England’s southern regions, some African regions and also some parts of Asia. Certain cultivars and hybrids are more suited for northern climates due to their increased resilience to cold.
Unfortunately, certain diseases, such as boxwood blight, have become a serious threat to boxwood on landscapes that are managed regionally. Therefore, It might not be possible to use boxwood in some environments after an occurrence of boxwood blight.
Environmental Issues on Green Mound Boxwood
Research indicates that the majority of boxwood, including English and korean boxwood, green velvet boxwood, green mound boxwood, and others, share common environmental problems because they belong to the same class.
Boxwood generally cannot withstand extremes of heat or cold. Dry winter winds might cause foliar desiccation in them more than in other plants.
Now, the signs or symptoms of winter burn on boxwood are usually observed as a discoloration ranging from reddish-orange to brown along the midrib or over the entire interior section of the leaf.
Nonetheless, the leaf margin frequently keeps part of its green hue. Similar to numerous other wooden plants found in the landscape, boxwood is more vulnerable to winter burn during periods of drought in the fall. Frost damage can also affect newly emerged spring foliage.
Therefore for a plant to grow successfully and survive, we need to understand that choosing the right cultivar for winter, hardness and planting them in a protected area are essential.
Care of Green Mound Boxwood
Green mound boxwood needs certain condition to be met in order to survive and grow effectively. For its survival, it needs
- partial to full sunlight.
- Weekly water is recommended, but more in really hot weather to keep the soil and it’s root moist. The soil should always be damp but not soggy from excess water.
- If the plant is maintained in a container, it needs to be watered everyday.
- The temperature for this type of Buxus should be between -10 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is suitable for it to live.
Roles of Green Mound Boxwood in The Environment
Here are some of the roles Green mound boxwood plays in the environment, showing its contribution of aesthetic and economic uses to the environment as a whole.
- Because of Green Mounds’ compact habit, this is a great choice for bordering or edging beds. It can serve as the specimen in a low-growing perennial garden, the green constant in an abundance of vibrant flower beds, or the occasional green punctuation needed when planting flowers in large quantities.
- Green Mound boxwood is a nice addition to the formal landscape as an evergreen. They create very low hedges and tolerate shearing quite well. Border your front yard, front walkway, or driveway for a sophisticated feel.
- Additionally, because they don’t have messy fruit, usual leaf drop, or attract a lot of insects that would be regarded as pests, they can be planted around decks and patios.
- Green mound boxwood has little wildlife value, unfortunately. The tiny, barely noticeable flowers are attractive to bees and flies. Birds can take refuge in their tightly clustered branches.
Common Disease in Green Mound Boxwood
Over here, we look at some of the common disease noticed and encountered by green mound boxwood. Here’s a list:
- Boxwood Blight: Most certainly the most serious boxwood disease. Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that was first discovered in the United States in 2011. This disease was initially discovered in North Carolina after fifteen years in Europe. Boxwood blight is identified by its characteristic rounded leaf spots, dark lesions on the stem, and rapid defoliation, especially following periods of intense rain and extended dampness. This disease’s thick, sticky spores are dispersed by water splashing off plants and by being carried by tools and trash. Numerous biological, chemical, and cultural techniques can aid in halting the transmission and spread of the disease due to its unique character.
- Phytophthora Root Rot: A soil-borne fungal pathogen that affects a wide variety of plant species is known as phytophthora root rot. Phytophthora Root Rot can exist in the soil but does not become active until the right conditions are met. Extended periods of moisture or soil that is regularly saturated with water can trigger the disease’s symptoms.
Cultural practices such as planting boxwood deeper in the soil or even in raised beds can improve drainage and reduce the likelihood of infection. The symptoms of this disease include sections of the boxwood losing color and feeling dry, with leaves curling and turning brown without removing their foliage.
Additionally, the appearance of collapsed and discolored stems can also be seen when this occurs. The core layer of the stem is usually dark and rotting when you cut into the cambium layer. Also, the plants’ roots will become brittle and brown, and when tugged, the outer covering of the root hair will easily peel off.
Although there are chemical management options available, minimizing overwatering and facilitating good drainage is the most effective approach to battling this illness.
- Boxwood Decline: Compared to other pests and diseases that impact Green mound boxwood, boxwood decline is a little different. The reason for this problem is unclear and commonly affects Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa,’ or English boxwood. Even though it is a disease seen in English boxwood, it can also be spotted on rare occasions on green mound boxwood. While some think it’s a single disease, others think it’s more likely the product of several stressors that weaken the plant until it dies. Green mound boxwood is gradually killed by this issue, which first manifests as a darkening of the leaves, die-back, and finally, plant death. Starting on a single branch or area of the plants, this may take months to spread until the entire plant is affected.
This is not to be confused with Boxwood Blight, which in a few short days or weeks may do a great deal of harm. Stresses like losing or removing a large tree that has been shading a plant for many years and is now in full sun, heavy snowfall that damages the branches, extreme droughts or excessive watering, aging, low soil pH or lack of nutrients, or even soil nematodes can cause this issue.
When a plant is under stress, a number of things could make it worse. Since there is now no treatment for the illness, prevention of stressors that could lead to the illness is the main goal. Pay attention to keeping the pH of the soil between 6.5 and 7.0 and providing extra water during dry spells. Since this disease is mostly common to the English boxwood and, according to research, it is advised not to replace a decimated English boxwood plant with another one if Boxwood decline occurs, the same should be applicable to green mound boxwood.
Conclusion
Green Mound Boxwood stands as a versatile and invaluable addition to any landscape. With its various species, hybrids, and varieties, it offers a range of aesthetic options while also playing crucial roles in environmental health and societal well-being. Proper care is essential for maintaining the vitality of these plants, ensuring they thrive and continue to provide their numerous benefits.
Despite facing common diseases, the enduring appeal and resilience of Green Mound Boxwood make it a cherished element in gardens, parks, and urban spaces alike, embodying the enduring harmony between nature and human habitation.
