Live Boxwood Topiary: Timeless Elegance for Gardens and Entryways
Enhance curb appeal with sculpted greenery that brings enduring structure and texture.

For centuries, boxwood topiary has been a symbol of strength and permanence, admired for its fine texture, year-round greenery, and the artistic possibilities it offers garden enthusiasts. Whether gracing a formal entryway, lining a grand drive, or accenting a patio, live boxwood topiaries continue to be a timeless favorite among gardeners and landscape designers alike.
Why Choose Boxwood Topiary?
- Evergreen beauty: Boxwood holds its color every season, providing lush greenery throughout the year.
- Classic forms: Shapes like balls, cubes, and globes offer architectural interest to outdoor spaces.
- Low maintenance: With proper planting and care, boxwood is a hardy, easy plant to manage in home gardens.
- Longevity: When well cared for, boxwood shrubs can last for generations.
Product Overview: Live Boxwood Topiary
These magnificent specimens are freshly shipped from the renowned Willamette Valley in Oregon. Carefully cultivated for classic garden shapes, they thrive outdoors in USDA Zones 5-8, making them suitable for much of the United States.
Key Product Features
- Available in a range of timeless topiary shapes
- Evergreen foliage for year-round aesthetics
- Adaptable to diverse garden designs, from modern minimalist to traditional
- Easy-care requirements for hassle-free enjoyment
Topiary Shape | Dimensions | Pot Size | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Small Ball | 15″–18″ diameter | 5-gal. | $45.00 and up |
Medium Ball | 18″–21″ diameter | 7-gal. | $75.00 and up |
Large Ball | 21″–24″ diameter | 7-gal. | $120.00 and up |
Dwarf Globe | 8″ diameter | 1-gal. | $45.00 |
Cube | 24″ square | 7-gal. | $265.00+ |
Ball Over Cube | 21″ square, 30″ high | 7-gal. | $325.00+ |
Triple Ball | 15″ diameter, 36″ high | 7-gal. | $470.00 |
Note: Planters are sold separately; prices may vary by size and retailer.
Design Possibilities with Boxwood Topiaries
Boxwood topiary works beautifully in a variety of lifestyle settings. Their rich green foliage and orderly shapes give structure, rhythm, and a sense of order to gardens, entrances, patios, and walkways. Popular design uses include:
- Formal garden accents: Define paths, gateways, or terraces with paired symmetrical shapes.
- Container focal points: Place in urns or planters for instant curb appeal.
- Entryway markers: Flank a doorway or gate to create a welcoming entrance.
- Mixed border companions: Soften perennial beds with evergreen consistency.
- Holiday décor: Adorn topiaries with seasonal lights or ribbon for festive displays.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Boxwood topiary is famously easy to care for given the right conditions. Following a few essential tips will ensure years of health and beauty:
Site and Soil
- Plant in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogged roots.
- Choose a site with partial to full sun for best growth, though boxwood can tolerate some shade.
Planting Instructions
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
- Loosen the root ball and set the plant in the hole so the top of the roots are level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with soil, pressing firmly to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly at planting.
Watering and Feeding
- Water regularly, especially during the first growing season and dry spells.
- Boxwood in containers need more frequent watering since container soil dries faster.
- Fertilize once a year—best in early March—using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning and Shaping
- Trim boxwood topiaries twice a year (typically in June and September) after the risk of frost has passed and before temperatures climb.
- Use sharp, clean shears for precise shaping and to prevent disease.
- Avoid cutting during wet weather, as fresh cuts can invite fungal issues.
- For formal shapes, use a loose string or wire outline as a guide.
Other Tips
- Boxwood is generally disease-resistant when not pruned to extremes. Hard clipping can stress the plant.
- Keep plants mulched to maintain soil moisture and reduce weed competition.
- In cold climates, protect from winter winds and sun to avoid leaf burn.
Available Shapes and Sizes
Boxwood topiaries can be purchased in a variety of classic and creative forms, making them adaptable to any landscaping need:
- Balls and Globes: Simple, bold, and widely used for symmetry.
- Cubes: Perfect for minimalist or contemporary designs.
- Tiered or Triple Ball: Magnificent focal points for larger gardens.
- Ball Over Cube: Adds elegant complexity to entryways or terraces.
- Dwarf Globe: Excellent for tabletop or compact spaces.
Ordering and Delivery
- Boxwood topiaries are shipped fresh and ready for planting.
- Size and shape options—from small dwarf forms to large statement pieces.
- Typically shipped in 1-gallon, 5-gallon, or 7-gallon pots depending on size.
- Planters sold separately—choose a durable container for lasting results.
- Note: Shipping exclusions often apply to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
- Most vendors do not accept returns or refunds for live topiaries, except in the case of defects or damage upon delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best location to plant a boxwood topiary?
A: Choose a well-draining site with partial to full sun. Boxwood tolerates shade but thrives best with some sunlight.
Q: How often should boxwood topiaries be watered?
A: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly throughout the first year. Container-grown boxwood may require more frequent watering, especially in hot weather.
Q: When and how should I fertilize?
A: Fertilize once a year, preferably in early March, with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: How should boxwood topiary be pruned?
A: Prune lightly twice a year in late spring or early summer and again in autumn. Use sharp, clean shears and avoid heavy pruning during hot or wet weather.
Q: Can boxwood topiary be grown indoors?
A: While traditionally grown outdoors, small dwarf boxwood can be used as an indoor accent if it receives ample light and humidity, but it’s generally better suited to outdoor conditions.
Q: What are common problems with boxwood topiaries?
A: Boxwood can sometimes suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Occasional leaf burn may occur from harsh winter sunlight and wind. Regular care and thoughtful placement reduce these risks.
Design Inspiration Gallery
Consider these ideas for using boxwood topiaries throughout your landscape:
- Paired entryway balls in matching planters for grand, stately front doors
- A series of globes lining a walkway for formal symmetry
- Topiary cubes flanking a modern patio for crisp, architectural edges
- A triple ball as a focal piece on a terrace or courtyard
- Dwarf globes in decorative pots as refined accents on outdoor tabletops
Have a Question or Comment About This Product?
Engage with gardening communities or your supplier for care tips, style ideas, and troubleshooting for your topiary garden projects.
References
- https://www.gardenista.com/products/ball-live-boxwood-topiary/
- http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/boxwood-topiary-design
- https://www.gardenista.com/products/live-boxwood-topiary/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/field-guide-boxwood/
- https://www.gardenista.com/posts/boxwood-topiaries-6-tips-trimming-shrubs-niwakis-jake-hobson/

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