The evergreen Buchs may seem a bit boring at first glance, but it is extremely versatile. The wood grows very slowly, but can become very old - and if it is not pruned or only slightly, up to five meters high. Buchs feels most comfortable in humus-rich, slightly loamy soil - and should be given regular fertilizer. However, the blue grain that many gardeners like to use is not suitable for this.
Blue grain is not recommended for fertilizing boxwood
Why blue grain is unsuitable for boxwood
Blue grain contains a lot of phosphorus, but this is wasted on boxwood: the nutrient is particularly important for flowering plants, but boxwood only flowers very rarely. The other composition of the fertilizer also causes over-fertilization when used regularly, to which Buchs reacts very sensitively. Although the wood is dependent on regular fertilization, due to its slow growth it needs little and above all in a different composition. The nutrients potassium and nitrogen are particularly important - both also ensure the beautiful green color of the leaves. If you still want to fertilize with blue grain, a few grains are sufficient.
Suitable fertilizers for boxwood
There are a number of more suitable boxwood fertilizers that provide the nutrients and trace elements needed. These include, for example:
- Box tree fertilizer: there are different forms and are perfectly adapted to the needs of the different types of box trees
- Green plant fertilizer: these mixtures are also tailored to the needs of green plants and ensure a beautiful leaf colour
- Compost: this organic fertilizer is perfect for many plants, including boxwood. Advantage: nutrients are released slowly, over-fertilization is not possible
- Horn shavings (€32.93) or horn meal: have a high nitrogen content, especially in combination with compost perfect for boxwood
- Rock flour: (14.13€) good for an alkaline soil that boxwood needs, also contains many valuable minerals and trace elements, only in combination (e.g. with compost and horn shavings)
- Eggshells: Buchs needs lime, so you can crush eggshells and add them to the irrigation water
- Nettle manure: self-made nettle manure is a wonderful liquid fertilizer that also keeps pests away. Mix rock flour into the brew to soften the strong smell.
On the other hand, organic fertilizers such as stable manure or coffee grounds are less suitable. The former is ideal for plants with high nutrient requirements, while coffee lowers soil pH.
tips
The easiest way to supply the book with a slow-release fertilizer is to apply it in early spring and then rest.