Wintergreen boxwood help please

[ddhart]

Hi this is my first post, I've had this boxwood for a couple of years. Not sure what I should do with it so I did nothing. So I was hoping for a little guidance. I was thinking of pruning those long branches and possibly wiring. It is very leggy. I also wonder should this plant be exposed to cold weather. I live in the north east , Massachusetts. So winter could be tough. I have kept it indoors these last two years but has been outside for spring summer fall.
My research on this plant really hasn't come up with definite guide lines. But feel I should put it in a cooler part of my home with good lighting. Honestly I was told by a family member it was a burning bush expected the leave to drop. As I was leaving out with the cold approaching. That's when I realized my error lol

 

[ddhart]

I wanted to add I really loved how this was leaning/ sweeped to one side with some root showing.

 

[Carol 83]

Welcome to the forum! I know nothing about boxwood but I'm sure someone knowledgeable about them will chime in.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Has this tree been inside for 2 years?
I’m wondering about the fall like colors

I would put this tree outside the house but with protection for the winter. Unheated garage, cellar, cold frame, window well with mulch, all would do the trick.

 

[ddhart]

Welcome to the forum! I know nothing about boxwood but I'm sure someone knowledgeable about them will chime in.

Thank you carol

 

[ddhart]

Has this tree been inside for 2 years?
I’m wondering about the fall like colors

I would put this tree outside the house but with protection for the winter. Unheated garage, cellar, cold frame, window well with mulch, all would do the trick.

Ok thank you, yes I have an unheated garage. Yes for two winters it has been indoors. It has the fall colors because I had left it out side for two weeks, it's been getting down into the 40s F. But I read on line that has to do with watering issues. It may have gone dry this pass week. Having to do with fall colors of the leaves Thank you for your response.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

'Wintergreen' boxwood is listed as Buxus sinica var insularis 'Wintergreen'. It used to be considered a variety of Buxus microphylla, the Japanese boxwood, but the actual provenance shows it is a cultivar of the Chinese boxwood. It is likely winter hardy to zone 7. Roughly 0 F to + 10 F.

Though personally I would try to keep it 25 F or warmer because it is in a pot. Roots tend to be less hardy than branches.

I have a Buxus sempervirens that has been outdoors in a pot, just set on the ground for 30 years, through frequent dips to - 17 F. But it is in a large diameter pot, and sempervirens is much more winter hardy than microphylla or sinica.

 

[sorce]

Boxwood For Real.

The Broadleaf Mugo. Follow me. As it be, while the information on Mugo at Bonsai4me.com may be correct....Ahem...thanks Vance! The more I think about this.... https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-other-swepper.27503/page-2#post-481443 The more I believe this is....outdated, to be nice...

www.bonsainut.com

Sorce

 

[ddhart]

'Wintergreen' boxwood is listed as Buxus sinica var insularis 'Wintergreen'. It used to be considered a variety of Buxus microphylla, the Japanese boxwood, but the actual provenance shows it is a cultivar of the Chinese boxwood. It is likely winter hardy to zone 7. Roughly 0 F to + 10 F.

Though personally I would try to keep it 25 F or warmer because it is in a pot. Roots tend to be less hardy than branches.

I have a Buxus sempervirens that has been outdoors in a pot, just set on the ground for 30 years, through frequent dips to - 17 F. But it is in a large diameter pot, and sempervirens is much more winter hardy than microphylla or sinica.

Thank you so much! The temps have been 35-69 here in Massachusetts USA for last few weeks. I can find a spot in my garage, and monitor the temp. As far as sun light should I put it in one of the windows? Also in terms of watering should I water weekly still by submerging pot in water? I thought I read in my research to back off some on watering in winter. Thanks again I appreciate your help.

 

[ddhart]

Boxwood For Real.

The Broadleaf Mugo. Follow me. As it be, while the information on Mugo at Bonsai4me.com may be correct....Ahem...thanks Vance! The more I think about this.... https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/the-other-swepper.27503/page-2#post-481443 The more I believe this is....outdated, to be nice...

www.bonsainut.com

Sorce

This is awesome thank you will read through this thread

 

[rockm]

Wintergreen boxwood is very winter hardy, to zone 4 or 5.

It will be fine outside on the ground in a garden bed or sheltered spot out of the wind (make sure drainage holes in the pot don't get blocked) and under mulch. I would not keep it indoors (garage or otherwise). Too dark and

This variety tends to "bronze" its foliage in the winter--leaves change color from green to well, bronze. Doesn't mean it's having issues. Many boxwood cultivars do the same thing. They green up again in the spring. Biggest problem will be keeping the plant soil moist (which the mulch covering will help) and keeping it out of drying winter winds. Also keep it in a place that is out of direct sun and that gets bright indirect light.

 

[ddhart]

Ok good to know, I will keep this in my mind as I decide where to put this little guy. I think our garage actually would work fine. We have several large windows that are north south and west facing. So plenty of bright light. We get a lot of snow here in northeast. So for first wintering might be better inside. So will see.. thank you

 

[ddhart]

I'm thinking I will let it sit out side while the winter is some what mild. 25-40 F. Mulched roots..when heavy snow storms come through I'll move it into the garage near one of the windows. I just feel better doing this,. My other bonsai are all tropical. This is my first outdoor Bonsai, so just being cautious.. actually I do have another one outside. It has done amazing.which was a lilac I had made into a bonsai. I need to learn more to get that to bloom. Thanks everyone , this site is such a help great collective knowledge

 

[rockm]

Ok good to know, I will keep this in my mind as I decide where to put this little guy. I think our garage actually would work fine. We have several large windows that are north south and west facing. So plenty of bright light. We get a lot of snow here in northeast. So for first wintering might be better inside. So will see.. thank you

Light through a window is less than 50 percent of the sunlight that passes through it.

As for the snow, that is your friend in overwintering trees. It provides insulation and moisture. If it covers the tree completely, all the better. No wind will get it and the temp underneath it remains pretty stable.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Light through a window is less than 50 percent of the sunlight that passes through it.

As for the snow, that is your friend in overwintering trees. It provides insulation and moisture. If it covers the tree completely, all the better. No wind will get it and the temp underneath it remains pretty stable.

First of all, I think this is sound advice. This plant has been inside for 2 years. Does that alter its cold hardiness?
Just curious what your take on this is.

 

[ddhart]

Light through a window is less than 50 percent of the sunlight that passes through it.

As for the snow, that is your friend in overwintering trees. It provides insulation and moisture. If it covers the tree completely, all the better. No wind will get it and the temp underneath it remains pretty stable.

 

[ddhart]

Oh ok, I think I have a good place in the yard I will be brave and mulch it well.
I will put it with my lilac tree. I'm sure it will survive. It will make me nervous but sounds like it will be good plan. Thank you very much!