Additional Information about Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk'

‘Dee Runk’ is an excellent upright cultivar with a naturally vertical habit. With some pruning, it can be a tight conical shape. It will develop a broader columnar habit with little to no pruning. Use as an excellent choice for narrow hedges or accenting a door or corner. Deer resistant.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk'

‘Dee Runk’ responds very well to pruning. Use hand pruners or shears. Lightly prune, as needed, in late winter or early spring to maintain density and desired form. If winter snow or ice has damaged any limbs or pulled them out from the plant, remove them. Thinning is not necessary but, as with any boxwood, will help increase airflow and sunlight penetration into the interior of the plant.

If a tight conical form is desired, training will be required. Depending on growth and prior maintenance, a light annual pruning followed by a heavier pruning every 3-5 years or so is necessary to maintain its form and minimize splaying due to snow and ice or even heavy wet foliage in spring.

Little or no pruning will yield a broader columnar habit. Understand that this habit will allow branches to potentially grow horizontal from the plant especially in frozen winter precipitation or heavy new growth in late spring.  

‘Dee Runk’ is somewhat resistant to boxwood leafminer and somewhat tolerant to boxwood blight. When planted properly, it has few other pest or disease issues.

Interesting Notes about Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk'

Comments: ‘Dee Runk’ is one of the prettiest and most versatile boxwood we grow. We believe this plant is best when pruned into a tight conical form. Its versatility of growing in full sun or full shade make it a great option in many different landscapes. It is very similar to ‘Fastigiata’. ‘Dee Runk’ is Paul Saunders favorite plant.

Uses: Tall specimen, allée, tall hedge, medium hedge, foundation plant, holiday foliage, containers

Substitutes: ‘Fastigiata’, ‘John Baldwin’