Mapping for Science - The National Boxwood Trials

Participating in the National Boxwood Trials offered an interesting look into the different varieties, and the performance of this otherwise often overlooked hedge plant. The goal of these trials are to provide a comprehensive evaluation of different boxwood cultivars for a publication that (based on our collective nationwide research) recommends these cultivars for commercial use.

Generally, boxwoods perform best in partial sunlight and should be somewhat protected from full wind exposure. They also prefer a loam type soil capable of good drainage and pH between 6.5 and 7.2 to efficiently absorb nutrients. Therefore, with the proper conditions the general characteristics as listed in the Boxwood; Its History, Cultivation, Propagation and Descriptions book by P.D. Larson provides the example height, width, shape and foliage for this experiment.

By using a pH meter, I was able to test different areas of the boxwood plot, record and average my findings over two seasons to analyze differences that may be relevant to the growth patterns and health of these shrubs including: pests or disease vulnerabilities and soil nutrients. The collection process called for 50 ml of soil per sample diluted with an added 100 ml of water.

The final recommendations in this plot were the boxwood varieties: Jensen, Vadar Valley, Grace Phillips, and Justin Brouwers. They consistently exhibited little to no pest or disease damage and had the most consistent growth habits.