Fall is one of the very best times to get shrubs into the ground. With the summer heat behind us and cooler nights ahead, the soil temperature is just right for encouraging strong root growth. When roots settle in before winter, you’ll be rewarded with healthier shrubs and more vibrant blooms next spring. Happy roots really are the secret to long-term success.

Let’s walk through how to plant shrubs the right way, my go-to shrub favorites, and all the most common questions gardeners ask about boxwoods.

a garden gate with boxwoods and hydrangea

**Carmen’s Favorite Boxwoods**

**1. Wintergreen Boxwood**
A steadfast classic. Cold-hardy, slow-growing, and naturally keeps its dense shape—minimal pruning, maximum elegance.
**2. Baby Gem Boxwood**
This petite, glossy-leafed boxwood stays neat all on its own. Perfect for containers or tidy borders with barely any shaping needed.
**3. Green Velvet Boxwood**
A compact, round variety that naturally forms a lovely shape without much help. Thrives in full to partial sun, prefers moist but not wet soil, and once settled, usually only needs a weekly watering—more if it’s hot or in a container. It tolerates cold well too, down to around –10°F.
**4. Green Gem Boxwood**
A true superstar for tight spaces. It’s a slow-growing, globe-shaped evergreen that stays around 2 ft tall and wide—perfect for low hedges, pathways, or foundation accents. Its dense foliage, winter hardiness, and natural shape mean you’ll prune very little. Just plant it in moist, well-drained soil and let it do its thing.

BEST ITEMS FOR TRIMMING
AND CARING FOR BOXWOODS

Here are the tools I always keep close when planting and shaping my boxwoods. They make the job smoother and help ensure your shrubs settle in beautifully.
23” Fiskar Hedge Clippers with shock-absorbing bumpers
Super Loppers for thicker branches
These are my top two favorite products to keep my boxwoods safe and my bushes covered from freezing temperatures and frost bite during the cold winter months ahead!
Shrub Jackets
Blanket Plant Cover for Long Rows of Landscaping
Yes, you really do need to fertilize your boxwoods! A little extra nutrition goes a long way in keeping their leaves glossy, their roots strong, and their shape full and healthy.
Here are two of my favorite products for boxwood health:
Fertilome Tree and Shrub Drench
TopBuxus Restore and Protect Tablets for Boxwood Health

Carmen’s Best Boxwood Tips & Landscaping Advice

What about Faux Boxwoods? Do you have any faux favorites?

Yes! This Faux Boxwood Planter Filler Ball from Ballard Designs is beautiful and holds up well for several seasons! You can watch a video of it here:

Boxwood Care: Common Questions

I’m asked about boxwoods all the time, so let’s go over the basics.

What are the best boxwood shears for pruning?

I prefer these 23” Fiskar Hedge Clippers with shock-absorbing bumpers to shape up boxwoods into a nice round, compact shape.

This complete set of hedge clippers and loppers have everything you need to trim boxwoods (and more!) The Super Loppers in that set make short work of thicker branches that need to be pruned back at the trunk.

What month do you prune boxwoods?
The best time is early to mid-spring. That’s when the plant is waking up and can handle a little shaping. Avoid heavy cuts in late summer or fall since new growth won’t have time to toughen up before winter.

How much can you cut back a boxwood without killing it?
As a rule of thumb, don’t remove more than about one-third at a time. If you’ve got an overgrown shrub, tackle it over a few seasons rather than all at once.

How do you cut back overgrown boxwoods?
Start by thinning branches inside the plant to let in more light and air. Then gently reduce size, always stepping back to make sure you’re keeping a natural look.

How do I avoid damaging boxwoods when trimming?
Sharp, clean pruners are your best friend. Take your time and make small cuts instead of rushing with big shears.

Will boxwoods grow back if you cut them down to the ground?
Most won’t recover well if cut to the base. They’re slow growers, so it’s better to trim gradually.

Can you trim boxwoods with an electric trimmer?
You can, but hand-pruning keeps the plant healthier. We always hand-prune our client’s boxwoods to give them the healthiest start.

When should you not cut a box hedge?
Skip pruning in late summer and fall, when tender new shoots would be exposed to winter damage. Wait til Spring instead.

How do you rejuvenate old boxwoods?
Each year, cut one or two of the older, thicker stems all the way down. Over time, this brings in fresh new growth and revives the plant.

What is the lifespan of a boxwood bush?
With good care, they can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. Boxwoods really are a long-term investment for your home and it’s resale value.

Why is trimming boxwoods important?
Pruning keeps their shape tidy, improves airflow, reduces disease, and encourages new growth.

What are signs of an unhealthy boxwood?
Yellowing leaves, thinning spots, or dead branches can mean too much water, poor drainage, or pests. Catching these signs early makes all the difference.

Pin this for later!

Final Thoughts

Boxwoods and other shrubs bring structure, color, and year-round beauty to your garden. With proper planting in the fall and consistent care, you’ll enjoy a landscape that looks polished and full of life through every season.