How To Grow Boxwoods That Will Thrive For Years To Come

How to Grow Boxwoods That Will Thrive for Years to Come

Boxwoods are a popular choice for gardeners because they are evergreen, easy to care for, and can be shaped into a variety of forms. With proper care, boxwoods can thrive for many years.

In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors to growing healthy and thriving boxwoods. We will cover topics such as:

• Choosing the right location
• Planting and watering
• Fertilizing
• Pruning
• Pests and diseases

Choosing the right location

Boxwoods prefer full sun to partial shade. They will tolerate some shade, but too much shade will cause them to become leggy and spindly. Boxwoods also need well-draining soil. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot.

Planting and watering

When planting boxwoods, it is important to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. The soil in the hole should be amended with compost or other organic matter. The boxwood should be planted so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.

Boxwoods need regular watering, especially during their first year in the ground. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing

Boxwoods should be fertilized in spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer is best, as it will provide nutrients over a longer period of time.

Pruning

Boxwoods need to be pruned regularly to maintain their shape. Pruning can be done in spring or fall. When pruning, it is important to use sharp shears and to make clean cuts.

Pests and diseases

Boxwoods are susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including boxwood leafminer, boxwood psyllid, and boxwood blight. These pests and diseases can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help your boxwoods thrive for years to come. With proper care, boxwoods will provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.

Boxwood is a popular shrub that is known for its low maintenance, dense growth habit, and deer resistance. It is a favorite for hedges, topiary, and bonsai. If you are interested in learning more about boxwood, I recommend visiting Garden Wiki. This website has a wealth of information about boxwood, including its history, uses, and care.

FAQ of boxwood

• What is boxwood?

Boxwood is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is known for its dense, glossy foliage and is often used in landscaping for hedges, borders, and topiary.

• How do I start a boxwood bush?

To start a boxwood bush, you will need to purchase a young plant from a nursery or garden center. Once you have your plant, choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the plant and plant it at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. Water the plant well and mulch around the base to help retain moisture.

• What causes a boxwood bush to start dying?

There are a number of factors that can cause a boxwood bush to start dying. These include:

• Overwatering: Boxwood is a drought-tolerant plant and does not need to be watered frequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.

• Underwatering: Boxwood also does not like to dry out completely. If the soil dries out too much, the leaves will start to turn brown and the plant may die.

• Poor soil: Boxwood prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If the soil is poor or compacted, the plant will not be able to get the nutrients it needs to survive.

• Pests and diseases: Boxwood is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including boxwood leafminer, boxwood psyllid, and boxwood blight. These pests and diseases can cause the leaves to yellow, wilt, or fall off, and can eventually kill the plant.

• How do I care for a boxwood bush?

To care for a boxwood bush, you will need to:

• Water regularly, but do not overwater.

• Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

• Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.

• Protect from pests and diseases.

• What are some common boxwood varieties?

There are many different varieties of boxwood, but some of the most common include:

• Buxus sempervirens: This is the most common type of boxwood and is known for its dense, glossy foliage.
• Buxus microphylla: This variety is smaller than Buxus sempervirens and is often used for topiary.
• Buxus harlandii: This variety is tolerant of shade and is often used in borders.

Image of boxwood

10 different images of boxwood that are free to use:

1. Boxwood shrub in full bloom.
2. Close-up of boxwood leaves.
3. Boxwood hedge in a garden.
4. Boxwood bonsai tree.
5. Boxwood carving of a human figure.
6. Boxwood carving of an animal.
7. Boxwood wreath.
8. Boxwood topiaries.
9. Boxwood seed pods.
10. Boxwood wood grain.