Culture
Best grown in evenly moist, well-drained loams (e.g., sand-clay mixture) in full sun to part shade. Plants will grow well in a variety of part shade situations, including open sun-dappled conditions or light shade with several hours of morning sun or early afternoon sun. Plants can grow in close to full shade, but typically are less vigorous and more open with decreased foliage density. When grown in full sun, plant foliage is more likely to scorch, bronze in winter or suffer from mite attacks. Plants prefer soils with a pH of slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Plants are generally tolerant of pruning and shearing. Pruning should never be done prior to the last spring frost date. Pruning too early in spring often promotes tender new growth that may be damaged or killed by a late spring frost. Avoid cultivating around plants because they have shallow roots. Roots appreciate a good organic (e.g., bark or compost) mulch (1-2”). Thin plants and remove dead/damaged branches annually to improve air circulation. Boxwood is best sited in locations sheltered from strong winds, with, if possible, some protection from full winter sun. Foliage may bronze in winter when exposed to half day to full day sun. Winter winds can remove moisture from leaves at a rapid rate, often resulting in dehydration and bronzing.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Buxus is a genus of about 70 species of evegreen shrubs and trees from Europe, Asia, Africa and Central America.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for plants in this genus.
Common name of boxwood is in reference to the prior use of the wood to make boxes. Another theory on common name is that boxwood describes the quadrangular (square box cross section) stems of young plants.
'Cranberry Creek' was introduced by Willoway Nurseries of Ohio and is named for the creek near where the plant was found. It has a dense compact habit with a pyramidal shape that grows low to the ground and a fine texture with small round emerald green leaves. It grows 3 to 4 ft. in height and spread, although this may vary. 'Cranberry Creek' has insignificant flowers and fruit.
Problems
Boxwood foliage tends to bronze (turn unattractive brownish-yellow) in harsh winters, particularly if plants are located in open areas exposed to full sun and winter winds. Susceptible to boxwood blight, volutella blight, and leaf spot diseases. Root rot can also be a problem in poorly-drained soils. Insect pests of boxwoods include boxwood leafminer, boxwood mite, boxwood psyllid, and box tree moth. Nematodes can also be problematic. New growth is particularly susceptible to winter damage. Rabbits and deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Group or specimen/accent. Foundation planting. Formal garden. Low hedge.