Do Boxwoods Smell Bad and How to Reduce the Smell

Boxwoods can be a bit of a stinky plant, especially during the spring and summer months when they're producing new growth. This is because boxwoods contain a chemical called terpene, which is responsible for their distinctive, unpleasant odor.

Some people may find the smell of boxwoods overwhelming, while others may not notice it at all. The strength of the scent depends on the individual's sensitivity and the specific variety of boxwood.

If you're one of the many people who find the smell of boxwoods too much, don't worry - there are ways to reduce it.

Some boxwoods, like English boxwoods, have been known to emit a bad odor that's been described as smelling like cat urine.

This odor is not present in all boxwoods, and I've personally never noticed it in any of my boxwood shrubs.

People who have experienced this smell report that it's most noticeable in late spring, when the boxwood bushes produce tiny, inconspicuous blooms.

These flowers, especially in English varieties, may occasionally emit the unpleasant odor that some people notice.

The English boxwood seems to be the main culprit when it comes to this unpleasant smell.

You might enjoy: English Boxwoods

Boxwood plants are known to emit a strong smell, primarily due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their leaves and stems.

These VOCs are a combination of different chemicals, such as terpenes and alcohols, that give boxwood its unique scent.

Methyl anthranilate is one of the main VOCs responsible for the scent of boxwood plants, and it has a somewhat sweet and fruity odor.

Environmental conditions, like higher temperatures and humidity, can cause the release of VOCs to increase, leading to a stronger odor.

Stress factors, such as drought or insect infestations, can also trigger the release of VOCs, resulting in a more noticeable smell.

Boxwood plants tend to emit a stronger smell during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and early summer, due to the increased volatility of VOCs at higher temperatures.

The strength of the boxwood smell can vary depending on the species of boxwood, with some species having a naturally stronger or milder scent.

Proper care and maintenance of boxwood plants, such as providing adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight, can help regulate their scent and minimize stress, which can affect the production of VOCs.

Installing English boxwood near your front door or frequently used areas of your landscape is not a good idea, as it can spread its strong smell.

To minimize the boxwood smell, consider using alternative species like Japanese or Asian boxwood, which are less odorous. Japanese boxwood, specifically, thrives in zones 6 through 9.

Proper pruning and maintenance can also help reduce the boxwood smell. Regularly trimming the plant removes dead or decaying leaves, which contribute to the odor. Pruning also improves air circulation and reduces stagnant air around the plant.

Spraying with diluted vinegar or applying baking soda can help neutralize the boxwood smell. Vinegar's acidic properties counteract the odor molecules, while baking soda absorbs the smell. Leave the baking soda in place for several hours or overnight before rinsing the foliage with water.

Proper pruning and maintenance is a simple yet effective way to mitigate the boxwood smell. Regularly trimming the plant can help remove any dead or decaying leaves, which can contribute to the odor.

By pruning the boxwood, you can improve air circulation around the plant, reducing the buildup of stagnant air that can exacerbate the smell. This is especially important for boxwood plants that are prone to moisture and humidity.

Pruning also helps to remove any diseased or damaged leaves, which can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that contribute to the odor. By keeping the plant healthy and tidy, you can reduce the intensity of the boxwood smell.

If you're unsure about how to prune your boxwood, consider consulting with a horticulturist or certified arborist for expert advice. They can help you develop a pruning plan that suits your plant's specific needs and promotes healthy growth.

Here are some tips for pruning your boxwood to reduce the odor:

If you're looking for a quick fix to neutralize the boxwood smell, there are several commercial products available that can help.

One such product is a spray specifically designed to eliminate unpleasant odors, which usually contains a combination of natural ingredients like essential oils that help neutralize odors on a molecular level.

For another approach, see: Do Dehumidifiers Help with Smells

You can also use scented candles or diffusers near the boxwood plants, which release a pleasant aroma into the air that can help mask the boxwood smell.

Activated charcoal is another effective odor neutralizer that can be used to reduce the boxwood smell, and it's as simple as placing small bags of activated charcoal around the base of the boxwood plants.

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can also be used to mask the boxwood smell, and mixing a few drops with water and spraying it onto the boxwood leaves can provide additional benefits like repelling insects or promoting relaxation.

By using these commercial products, you can effectively minimize the unpleasant odor of boxwood and enjoy your garden or indoor space with confidence.

Boxwood plants tend to emit a stronger smell during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and early summer.

The VOCs that give boxwood its unique scent are more volatile at higher temperatures, causing them to evaporate more easily and create a stronger scent.

In colder months, boxwood plants may emit a milder smell or no smell at all due to the cooler temperatures causing the VOCs to become less volatile.

The strength of the boxwood smell can vary depending on the local climate and weather conditions, even during the winter months.

Boxwood plants tend to emit a stronger smell during the warmer months, particularly in late spring and early summer.

Higher temperatures cause the VOCs to evaporate more easily, resulting in a stronger scent. This is why you might notice a more intense smell from boxwood plants during these times.

The exact composition of VOCs in boxwood plants can vary among different species and cultivars, which can affect the overall smell.

During the colder months, boxwood plants may emit a milder smell or no smell at all due to the cooler temperatures causing the VOCs to become less volatile.

Stressors such as drought, disease, or pest infestation can also impact the production of VOCs and may result in a weaker or altered scent.

Some species of boxwood, like Buxus 'Faulkner' or Buxus 'Green Velvet,' are known for their more mild scent, while others, like Buxus sempervirens, have a stronger smell.

Proper care and maintenance of boxwood plants can help regulate their scent, so it's essential to provide adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight to keep them healthy and minimize stress.

If you're looking for a tall, pyramid-shaped hedge, Dee Runk boxwoods are a great option. They can grow up to 9 feet tall, but only 2 feet wide.

Dee Runk boxwoods are a good choice for areas where you need a tall screen with limited width. To keep them healthy, prune them as a juvenile in late winter, provide some shade if possible, and ensure good draining soil.

Here are some key facts to consider when planting Dee Runk boxwoods:

Fastigiata is another tall hedge option that's similar to Dee Runk, but with a wider spread. It can grow up to 3 feet wide, making it a good choice if you need a bit more width in your hedge.