I’m often asked about boxwood care both in the garden and in the home. At the risk of sounding like a broken record let it be known that I love boxwood! When boxwood orbs and topiary entered the decor scene several years back I was so happy! While some designers would argue that every room needs something black I would say that every room needs something green. Boxwood is a nice option for those of you who claim to have black thumbs because the green is so vibrant and with little care a preserved orb will last many years.
I’ve never actually preserved boxwood myself, but have always wanted to. Several years ago with good intentions I bought all the stuff to do it, but never got around to preserving it. Please tell me that someone else does this. If you have access to fresh boxwood and would like to give it a try, this tutorial looks like a good one. Orbs are much easier to find than they used to be. Look for them in places like Homegoods or TJ Maxx. The ones in the image above came from Joss & Main. They are about 2-3 years old and still look as good as they did when they were new. To keep them looking fresh lightly mist them with water monthly or so. If you’re like me and forget to, don’t worry. They are very resilient! Also, keep them out of direct sunlight as the sun will turn the foliage.
Each Christmas I make a boxwood wreath for our front door. Trader Joes sales them for around $12 I think. If you decide to make your own wreath, I highly recommend soaking the ends of the branches in water overnight before you do. This keeps it fresh a little longer. If you plan to use your wreath inside, it might enjoy spending the night outside in the fresh air. Indoor heat can make the leaves brittle in a hurry. Also give it a light mist of water when you can remember. If you are using boxwood branches in an arrangement, then keep them in water just like you would flowers. They will last a long time!
I hope this helps!
Boxwoods are so beautiful and classic! I wanted to give a go at preserving my own too but it looked like way too much work with little kiddos in tow! I actually have searched and searched for 2 of the plastic type artificial ones for my front doors (that weren't $100 each on Etsy!) and finally came across them at Tuesday Morning, $20, score! I do love real ones at Christmas time though.
Thank you for sharing this! I haven't been to Tuesday Morning in years – need to go soon!
I stopped going too but there is one near our (new) home now and I drop in regularly, it's one of my new favorite stops!
I got my first preserved boxwoods around Christmastime last year (at HomeGoods of all places) and am totally hooked! Love how they look and that I can't kill them like I do most other plants that are unlucky enough to end up in my house. Thanks for the Trader Joes tip – I'll look for those this season.
That photo is so gorgeous, Rene! I have a wreath and always forget to mist it here and there. Thank you for the reminder.
Ha! Thanks Courtney. I think I'm the only blogger who relies on an i-phone for photography. :/
Thanks for the tips, I'm off to mist my wreath, I didn't know that was required. Clearly, we need your i-pone photo tips next!!
I thought my photos screamed i-phone Pam :).
I agree with Courtney. Beautiful photos Rene. I love the boxwood wreath you make each year! Last year I was too late in picking one up from Trader Joes. I am going to jump on it this year! Thank you for the great tips! I will remember to mist mine.
Thank you sweet Allison! We almost brought a Trader Joe's to Greensboro. Maybe one day
Okay I'm encouraged to try a preserved boxwood orb after reading this Rene! I totally agree, every room needs something green, it gives a space life.
I always love your boxwood wreath! Your mention of buying everything to preserve boxwood made me think of a recent thrift store find….a package with a pattern, 3 pieces of beautiful wool fabric, three zippers, 2 spools of thread and a receipt from a fabric store…dating back to 1962!
I agree with the black and green! I have used those in many a home….because of the care factor. They always want something that can stay and not die:)
Great tips, Rene! I agree – every room needs a little green! I have two preserved boxwood topiaries that I really need to start misting. Thanks for the reminder.
I have a Boxwood that is dying the top of it is Brown Need to know how to bring it back to life…It's planted in my garden