| In your climate, box can be pruned just about any time you want, although I'd be inclined to hold off until late Feb/early March. And you can prune it back quite hard, although it may take some time before it recovers a decent appearance. Thinning is really the most important aspect of pruning box - it is very dense and the exterior growth shades out the interior. And if you are hedging it, keep the top narrower than the base - sort of a cut-off A-line. This will allow sufficient sunlight to reach the base and keep the plant from developing 'bare legs'. Most hedges require at least annual pruning to keep them tidy and looking good. |
Here is a link that might be useful: boxwood pruning link
