Box trees can be used in a variety of ways in the garden and beautify many a corner. However, only as long as you maintain them consistently and fertilize them regularly - otherwise the popular shrubs could quickly become a case for the compost. But beware: It is not enough to simply spread any fertilizer - the when and the how are of great importance.

Regular application of fertilizer is good for boxwood

Why should you fertilize Buchs?

The slow-growing and undemanding boxwood tends to be forgotten about when it comes to fertilizing, as long as it doesn't develop strange leaf spots and the great guesswork begins. The following conditions are particularly relevant for the well-being of the wood:

  • suitable location
  • loose, well-drained and calcareous soil
  • it also tolerates slightly loamy soil well
  • regular watering
  • Regular fertilization of box trees that have been planted out

The last point is particularly relevant because the beautiful green leaf color only develops with the right supply of nutrients.

What can you fertilize boxwood with?

Buchs itself is not one of the heavy consumers, but above all it needs nitrogen for growth and potassium for resilience. A deficiency is quickly noticeable on the leaves, for example as brown-red discoloration in the event of a nitrogen deficiency. Phosphorus, on the other hand, cannot be dispensed with, but Buchs only needs it to a very small extent. The mineral promotes flowering, which in turn rarely occurs in boxwood.

Boxwood fertilizer and green plant fertilizer

Buchs can be easily supplied with nutrients with a special box tree fertilizer, the composition of which is precisely tailored to the needs of the plant species. A commercially available green plant fertilizer is also suitable. Before fertilizing, however, you should have a soil analysis carried out by a suitable laboratory in order to determine the actual fertilization requirement. A needs-based supply is based on the recommendations, and the risk of over-fertilization is also reduced.

Organic Fertilizers

You can't go wrong with organic fertilizers such as compost and horn shavings. (32.93€) Horn shavings (32.93€) in particular are rich in nitrogen and are therefore ideal for boxwood. With compost, on the other hand, there is the problem of carrying any germinable seeds from composted weeds into the bed. You can avoid this by covering the composter with a lid and not composting seed weeds. An organic supply has the advantage that over-fertilization is virtually impossible due to the slow and gradual uptake of nutrients.

Can you fertilize boxwood with blue grain?

There is no question that blue grain is a true all-round fertilizer in the garden and is basically also suitable for the box or at least does not damage it. However, blue corn, with its high phosphorus content, has the wrong nutrient composition, which is why fertilizing with it would be like the proverbial "throwing pearls to the swine". The box cannot absorb or utilize all the nutrients - in the worst case, over-fertilization with all its negative side effects would be the result.

When should Buchs be fertilized?

Basically, fertilization is only necessary during the growth period between April and September. If you provide the box with a long-term fertilizer in April, you don't have to worry about it for the rest of the year - apart from the fertilization with patent potash, which should be done in August. If, on the other hand, organic fertilizers are used, the supply should be carried out regularly at intervals of three to four weeks. In this case, work a maximum of three liters of compost per square meter and a level tablespoon of ground horn shavings into the root area.

Stop fertilizing in autumn - why?

From the beginning of September you should not supply the box or other garden plants with nutrients. The fertilization stimulates the plants again and again to new shoot growth, which could be fatal at this point. The fresh shoots do not ripen in time before winter and would freeze to death in the first few degrees below zero - causing the entire tree to suffer. Apply Kalimagnesia or Patentkali in August instead, this remedy supports the plants' resistance to winter weather conditions.

The right fertilization for boxwood in tubs

Buchs in tubs is dependent on a regular supply of fertilizers, because such a plant cannot feed itself. It is best to fertilize potted specimens weekly with a liquid fertilizer for green plants or a special boxwood fertilizer, which is administered together with the irrigation water.

tips

Coffee grounds are an environmentally friendly and inexpensive fertilizer that supplies many balcony and garden plants with sufficient nutrients. However, coffee has the disadvantage that its ingredients lower the pH value of the soil - harmful for the lime-loving Buchs. If you still want to fertilize with coffee, you should whiten your Buchs regularly.

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