- Why you should lime boxwood
- How much lime does a box tree need?
- In what form should the lime be administered?
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The dense and compact growth makes the evergreen boxwood perfect for small and high hedges as well as for imaginative topiary or as ground cover. In order for the plants to actually achieve this growth and remain healthy, they need good care. This includes regular pruning, a balanced supply of water and nutrients and a supply of lime.
Lime can help adjust the pH of the soil
Why you should lime boxwood
In principle, boxwood thrives on almost any garden soil, as long as it is well drained, but it needs a constant pH value of between seven and eight. The evergreen plant prefers calcareous soil, which is why you can water it with calcareous tap water without worrying. If the pH of the site is too low, there is a risk of disease. To prevent this, you should lime the soil regularly and thus prevent the soil from gradually acidifying.
How much lime does a box tree need?
Basically, no firm statements can be made about how much lime fertilizer (9.70 €) you should now administer to your boxwood. The dosage depends on several factors, including the brand of fertilizer used, the composition of the soil, and the actual pH level. It is best to measure the pH of the soil with simple, commercially available measuring sticks before you plan to fertilize. These show immediately whether you actually need to reach for the lime or not: If the value is between seven and eight, everything is fine. If it is below that, you should lime according to the package instructions. Incidentally, yellowish edges on the leaves of the boxwood are a sign that there may be a lack of lime.
In what form should the lime be administered?
Lime ensures that the box grows densely and takes on a beautiful green colour. The form in which you administer the lime fertilizer is basically completely irrelevant. It is entirely up to you to decide what works best for you. Some gardeners prefer granules, while others swear by a liquid lime fertilizer - after all, the latter would reach the roots faster. Incidentally, fertilizer is applied towards the end of the vegetation period between September and October.
Does lime help against the box tree moth?
Occasionally it was reported that algae lime in particular can suppress an infestation with the box tree moth. In fact, the pressure of infestation on bushes sprinkled with lime is not so high, but the use of the agent is problematic for other reasons.
tips
It is better not to fertilize your boxwood with coffee grounds or mix them with lime to neutralize them. Coffee acidifies the soil over time.