How to Grow American Boxwood 'American Globe'
Wikimedia Commons
American Boxwood 'American Globe'
Buxus sempervirens 'American Globe'
shrubAmerican Globe is a compact, densely-branched boxwood cultivar that naturally forms a tight, rounded mound shape without extensive pruning. This evergreen shrub is prized for formal gardens, hedges, and topiary work due to its fine foliage and architectural form. It is hardy, low-maintenance, and slower-growing than many other boxwood varieties.
When should you plant American Boxwood 'American Globe' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example American Boxwood 'American Globe' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant American Boxwood 'American Globe'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest American Boxwood 'American Globe'
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact American Boxwood 'American Globe' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
Sign up free to see if American Boxwood 'American Globe' grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my American Boxwood 'American Globe' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung transplants with tender new growth; plant appears compact but may look sparse in first year
Water regularly (2-3 times weekly if no rain); mulch 2-3 inches deep around base, keeping mulch away from stem; protect from extreme heat and wind stress during first year
Early Growth
2-3 yearsGradually fills in and develops its characteristic globular shape; dense foliage becomes more evident
Maintain consistent moisture; light pruning to shape is acceptable; avoid heavy pruning; apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Mature Form
Maintained indefinitelyFully developed globe or mounding shape, typically 3-4 feet wide and tall; foliage is dense and dark green year-round
Prune only to maintain shape or remove dead/damaged wood; spring pruning is ideal; water during extended dry periods; monitor for pests and diseases
Seasonal Dormancy
3-4 monthsWinter period where growth slows dramatically; foliage may take on a brownish tint in cold climates (temporary discoloration)
No fertilizing during winter; reduce watering as growth has slowed; avoid pruning; in harsh winters, provide windbreak or burlap protection if needed; water evergreen shrubs in late fall if soil is dry
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove infested leaves; apply horticultural oil in early spring or fall; prune out heavily infested branches; maintain plant vigor through proper watering
-
Monitor for cupped and yellowed leaves; spray with insecticidal soap in spring when nymphs appear; prune affected growth; encourage beneficial insects
-
Spray foliage with water to dislodge; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; increase humidity; avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen
-
Ensure excellent air circulation and avoid overhead watering; remove and destroy infected plant material; disinfect pruning tools; plant resistant cultivars; avoid planting in heavy shade with poor drainage
-
Improve soil drainage; avoid overwatering; ensure adequate air circulation; plant in well-draining soil; remove severely affected plants
Uses
Formal Hedges & Topiaries
HouseholdAmerican Globe is ideal for creating formal garden structures, low hedging, knot gardens, and topiary work due to its naturally compact form and fine, dense foliage. Its slow growth habit allows for precise shaping and long-lasting architectural features. [source]
Floral & Greenery Design
CraftBoxwood foliage and branches are harvested for high-end floral arrangements, wreaths, and holiday garlands. The evergreen leaves remain attractive year-round and add structure and elegance to professional design work. [source]
Shelter & Food Source
WildlifeDense boxwood shrubs provide important shelter, nesting sites, and protection for birds and beneficial insects. The persistent foliage offers year-round cover in landscapes. [source]
Specimen & Foundation Plantings
HouseholdThe natural globe form makes American Globe ideal as a focal point specimen plant or for foundation plantings around homes and buildings. Requires minimal pruning to maintain its architectural shape, reducing maintenance needs. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant; this is an ornamental shrub. Prune lightly in late spring (after last frost) to maintain its globe shape. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood as needed. Avoid heavy pruning as boxwoods are slow-growing. Cuttings can be collected in summer for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Boxwood is one of the oldest cultivated ornamental plants in Europe and America, with specimens in historic gardens dating back centuries. Some boxwood plants are over 400 years old.
- 🌱 American Globe and other boxwoods are slow-growing by design—this patience is rewarded with extremely dense, fine-textured foliage that rarely requires aggressive pruning and can last for decades with minimal intervention.
- 🌱 Boxwood wood is extremely dense and fine-grained, historically used for making combs, musical instruments, rulers, and engraving blocks—making it far more valuable than just an ornamental plant in traditional crafts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized American Boxwood 'American Globe' planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start American Boxwood 'American Globe' seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my American Boxwood 'American Globe' timeline →