Boxwood shrubs in winter - Ask Extension
Hi there,
I'm hoping to get some information on how and where to properly store my boxwood shrubs during the winter in Vermont. They are in ~12&quo...
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Boxwood shrubs in winter #810886
Asked September 15, 2022, 9:01 AM EDT
Hi there,
I'm hoping to get some information on how and where to properly store my boxwood shrubs during the winter in Vermont. They are in ~12" pots. Should they be moved inside my basement which keeps at about 60 DegF or perhaps I should put them in my unheated garage (temp fluxes with weather)? I've read that I should be concerned about the roots freezing and drying, so I don't know if the garage is the best choice. Also, I've read that boxwood need a dormancy period, so does that mean they shouldn't receive light?
Any information would help! Thank you!
-Ben Block
Washington County Vermont
Expert Response
Dear Ben:
Thank you for contacting the UVM Master Gardener Helpline with your question about overwintering boxwoods in containers. You state that the containers are about 12 inches.
With small containers, you can bury them up to the edge of the pot in a garden for the winter. Do not sink them in a windy location or one with full sun. Mulch with wood chips, leaf mold or other similar materials to prevent rapid temperature changes in the soil, deep penetration of frost, and loss of surface water. If you are in an area where the winter temperature usually is colder than 20°F, you could add protection for the foliage after the ground surface freezes. Materials like burlap will protect the plant top and allow air to circulate around the plant. Create the covering so that the foliage does not rub against it.
As you suggested, another option is your unheated garage. Since the plants would not get rain or snow in the garage, you'll have to water them, aiming to keep the soil moist, never soggy, and avoiding the extremes of dryness and saturation.
We attach links below to additional resources on the subject.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/Factsheets/Growing%20Evergreens%20in%20Containers52.pdf
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/overwintering_evergreens_containers
https://extension.psu.edu/overwintering-plants-in-containers
We hope this information is helpful
Good luck.
Pat
Thank you for contacting the UVM Master Gardener Helpline with your question about overwintering boxwoods in containers. You state that the containers are about 12 inches.
With small containers, you can bury them up to the edge of the pot in a garden for the winter. Do not sink them in a windy location or one with full sun. Mulch with wood chips, leaf mold or other similar materials to prevent rapid temperature changes in the soil, deep penetration of frost, and loss of surface water. If you are in an area where the winter temperature usually is colder than 20°F, you could add protection for the foliage after the ground surface freezes. Materials like burlap will protect the plant top and allow air to circulate around the plant. Create the covering so that the foliage does not rub against it.
As you suggested, another option is your unheated garage. Since the plants would not get rain or snow in the garage, you'll have to water them, aiming to keep the soil moist, never soggy, and avoiding the extremes of dryness and saturation.
We attach links below to additional resources on the subject.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Portals/0/Gardening/Gardening%20Help/Factsheets/Growing%20Evergreens%20in%20Containers52.pdf
https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/overwintering_evergreens_containers
https://extension.psu.edu/overwintering-plants-in-containers
We hope this information is helpful
Good luck.
Pat
