How to Grow Boxwood in Florida

Pick the right spot for your boxwood. Plant the boxwood in partial shade in well-draining soil. Boxwoods perform well in sandy soil, especially in partial shade, making them ideal for Florida gardens. Florida boxwood can handle relatively high soil salinity, so it will grow near coastlines -- but the American and Japanese varieties don't tolerate salt well.

Water the boxwood two to three times per week, drenching the soil down to about 6 inches. In the heat of summer, check the soil to see if you need to water more often by digging about 2 inches into the ground. If the soil is damp, there's no need to water. If it's dry, water immediately. Most boxwoods are moderately drought-tolerant, but they can dry out too quickly during Florida's hottest months.

Prune branches when the shrub isn't actively growing, such as late fall or winter. Do not prune in early spring; a late cold snap might kill the new growth you encouraged by pruning. Trim long branches with pruning shears, and cut a few branches from the interior to improve air circulation and sun penetration. In the summer, trim the ends of branches as needed to maintain the shrub's size and shape, but don't prune significantly.

Add 2 inches of organic mulch, such as chipped bark, or compost in the spring and fall. This adds nutrients to the soil while helping it maintain moisture in the hot summers.