Wildlife value of Boxwood — an unexpected bonus

I planted Boxwood primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. generally low maintenance once established seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a wildlife garden with berrying and nectaring shrubs which allows me to watch the activity up close. summer flowering on the current season's growth is the most active period for wildlife visits. pruning at the right time of year for the specific species is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. box blight and box moth caterpillar on Buxus species is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.