When it comes to finding the best boxwood for the Chicago area, one variety that stands out is the Chicago Hardy Boxwood. This particular boxwood has been chosen by the Chicago Botanic Garden for its outstanding cold hardiness, which is crucial in a region with harsh winters.
One of the reasons why the Chicago Hardy Boxwood is highly recommended is because it holds its glossy green foliage well even in the winter months. This is particularly important for maintaining an attractive landscape throughout the year, as many other plants tend to lose their leaves or color during the colder seasons.
In terms of appearance, the Chicago Hardy Boxwood resembles an English boxwood. It has a classic, timeless look with its dense, compact growth and small, oval-shaped leaves. This makes it a versatile choice for various landscaping purposes, whether you want to create a formal, sculpted hedge or a more informal border.
What sets the Chicago Hardy Boxwood apart from other boxwood varieties is its uniform oval habit. This means that all the individual plants in a hedge or border will have a consistent shape and size, creating a neat and polished look. This uniformity is particularly desirable when creating a structured landscape design, as it adds a sense of order and cohesion to the overall aesthetic.
In my personal experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found the Chicago Hardy Boxwood to be a reliable and resilient plant. It can withstand the challenging climate of the Chicago area, including the freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall that are common during the winter months. This hardiness ensures that the boxwood will not only survive but thrive in the local conditions, providing long-lasting beauty to your garden.
To summarize, the Chicago Hardy Boxwood is the best option for the Chicago area due to its exceptional cold hardiness and ability to retain its glossy green foliage in winter. Its resemblance to an English boxwood, along with its uniform oval habit, makes it a fantastic choice for creating low hedges or borders, whether you prefer a formal or informal style. This resilient and attractive boxwood will add beauty and structure to your landscape throughout the year, even in the face of harsh weather conditions.
