| What are the hardiest cultivars of boxwood I can plant in a zone that runs between 4 and 5? |
| According to Dirr's Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, most boxwood varieties are rated hardy to zone 6. There are a few mentioned as hardier than others, but I would be cautious before investing a lot into a large planting. Microclimate can play a big role in whether a marginally hardy plant survives. The varieties of boxwood Dirr describes as the hardiest are: Littleleaf box: Buxus microphylla var. koreana -- foliage turns yellowish-brown in winter. Grows 2 - 2 1/2 feet tall. Zone 4 Common box: Buxus sempervirens 'Northern Beauty' and 'Northern Find' (height up to 20') are described as relatively hardy. The variety 'Northland' is described as hardy in central New York state; it grows to a height of about 5'. You might contact the American Boxwood Society at ph# 540-939-4646 to get their advice. |
