Many people associate buxus sempervirens suffruticosa (aka the English boxwood) with Williamsburg. And in fact the colonists did bring boxwoods with them from England, so they've been here a long time. We've topiary-ed them, mazed them, grown them into huge, pillowing bushes, and framed our doorways with them. Williamsburgers love boxwoods!

But these lovely slow-growing evergreens actually aren't well suited to our area, and have been on the decline since the 1970s. Even Colonial Williamsburg is considering ousting these shrubs for modern, more tolerant hybrids.

For one thing, our soil is dense and doesn't offer enough sandy drainage for this shrub. Also, a nematode has taken up residence here and prefers to dine on boxwoods. At any rate, our boxwoods have been on the decline since the 1970s. Yes, boxwoods will grow here, as many excellent gardeners and nearly four centuries will testify. But you have to give them just the right conditions and attention.

Colonial Williamsburg, FYI, is cycling its boxwoods out and replacing them with dwarf yaupon holly and Jim Stauffer boxwoods, which have been hybridized to be more tolerant of our local conditions. And that may include the oldest boxwoods in town, which is behind the Brush-Everard House (pictured above). These long-standing bushes were once an entire garden in themselves.

These particular boxwoods have suffered especially since Hurricane Isabelle, which felled the ironwood trees shading them. Boxwoods prefer dappled sunlight. CW officials say they're considering a lattice-like shading structure that would allow the plants to slowly adjust to their new lighting conditions.

If you're keeping your boxwoods, consider cutting out a small branch or two every growing season. (Call us and we'll explain.) The idea is to allow light and air to move through the plant.

Also, we have a boxwood care program dedicated to this stately plant. We know how to successfully treat it for pests, the ecologically friendly way. Call us for details. 757.229.9668.