Why Do Some Boxwood Bushes Smell?

Boxwood bushes are popular plants that don’t require too much maintenance. However, they can put off a foul odor that makes people look elsewhere for their shrubs. They look quite similar to many other bushes, but there’s no denying the potent scent coming from some of them.

Boxwood bushes smell because they release oils when the sunlight hits them. The strange, urine-like odor is most common in English Boxwoods in the spring when the boxwood is growing. Some people describe the scent as woody, and pleasant. Green Beauty, Dee Runk, and other boxwoods don’t smell.

In this post, I’ll explain why some boxwoods smell strange, what you can do to get rid of the odors, and which boxwoods don’t have unwanted odors.

Why Do Boxwoods Smell Bad?

Boxwoods can smell bad for all sorts of reasons, including poor soil conditions, excessive amounts of oil, nitrogen issues, etc. If your boxwood bushes smell gross, you might be wondering why they’ve always been this way, especially in the spring. English boxwoods tend to smell the strongest, though not everyone seems to dislike the scent.

People often say English boxwoods smell like cat urine. However, many proud boxwood owners claim they enjoy the woodsy, resinous scent. Needless to say, there’s no middle ground when it comes to the scent of boxwoods.

Here’s a list of reasons some boxwoods smell bad:

• English boxwoods always have a strong odor when they’re under direct sunlight. According to Country Living, the smell comes from the oils released by the boxwoods when they get hot enough. You’ll notice they’re much more pungent in warmer climates.
• Your yard smells fishy and gross from the fungus in the soil, not the boxwoods. English boxwoods are smelly, but many other varieties don’t have much of a scent. You might have a lot of fungi, bacteria, or mold in the surrounding soil that could cause odors.
• Small boxwood blooms produce strong odors. English boxwoods bloom in the spring, which is why it’s often their smelliest time of the year. Look for tiny blooms on the bushes, then give them a good whiff to know if that’s where the odor lies.
• A nearby animal might have urinated on the boxwood bush. Animals often respond to strong smells, which are plentiful in a yard with English boxwoods. Make sure there aren’t any pests in the area before assuming your boxwoods are the source of the bad smells.
• A bad layer of compost can make your lawn smell bad. Compost bins need an adequate ratio of nitrogen and carbon. If you use too much manure or rotten food, the compost will smell foul. Your boxwoods will absorb and produce the odors.

As you can see, there are many reasons why boxwoods smell bad (or good, depending on how you look at it). Thankfully, not all boxwoods have the same scent. If you want to know which boxwoods don’t smell, read on.

If you want to get rid of your smell boxwood bush, watch this removal video guide by Howling Farms:

Are There Any Boxwoods That Don’t Smell?

The boxwoods that don’t smell include the following:

• Green Beauty
• Justin Brouwers Boxwood
• John Baldwin Boxwood
• Dee Runk Boxwood
• Fastigiata
• Vardar Valley Boxwood

Garden Guides claims these boxwoods don’t have the same foul odors found in most English boxwoods. However, they have similar maintenance routines. It’s important to take special care of your boxwood bushes during the winter to prevent them from freezing or getting yellow tips.

Most hedges have various scents, so don’t expect to escape the woodsy odor completely. It’s a regular part of planting and maintaining boxwood bushes. That being said, you can switch your English boxwoods to one of the previously mentioned variants for better results.

Keep in mind that not all boxwood odors are due to the plant species. There are numerous variables that influence how the bushes smell, including the soil, watering routine, sunlight, nutrients, and surrounding plants. These factors can make or break your boxwood bushes, so they shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you’re wondering how you can reduce the smell coming from boxwood bushes, read on for a few suggestions.

How to Make Boxwood Bushes Not Smell

To make boxwood bushes not smell, follow these steps:

1. Plant any boxwood bush other than English boxwoods. They’re notorious for having a distinct smell that includes a urine-like odor. While some people think it smells more like a woodsy scent, there’s no denying the overpowering aroma coming from English boxwoods.
2. Use mulch that doesn’t have too much manure. If your mulch smells like manure, there might be too much nitrogen, animal feces, or rotten food. The compost and fertilizer in the soil directly impact how your boxwoods (and other plants) smell.
3. Plant fragrant flowers near your boxwoods. Try begonias and zinnias. You can also plant herbs around the boxwoods to create a better smell. Oregano, cilantro, and mint produce strong scents that often overshadow the unsettling boxwood bush’s smells.
4. Keep the boxwoods near fruit trees. Citrus trees always smell quite strong, which is why they’re great when paired with boxwoods. Furthermore, the green backdrop looks beautiful and matches well with any fruit tree or vegetable in the garden.
5. Remove fungus and diseased soil. Soil fungus often produces a musty odor that’s confused with a boxwood’s strong scent. The soil shouldn’t be too damp or it’ll get spongey and result in root rot. The diseased soil can affect the boxwood’s roots, growth, leaves, and odor.

If you’re interested in a way to get rid of the fungus or diseased soil, try Scotts DiseaseEx Fungicide. This formula targets over 20 different types of diseases and fungi in the dirt, preserving the plants in your garden. It doesn’t harm the boxwoods or change the way they smell, either.

Boxwoods have a unique smell, but they don’t have to ruin the entire garden. Their beautiful appearance and ability to provide a home and food source for countless critters make them well worth planting in your yard.