Boxwood has been planted in gardens for more than 2000 years. The evergreen shrub was initially used primarily for edging flower beds, but a new fashion emerged in the course of the 16th century: art gardeners cut the most imaginative figures out of the easy-care plant. Even today, the box is a welcome garden dweller, even if its image has been suffering for several years due to dangerous diseases.

The boxwood likes sunny locations that are not too warm

Which location does the box tree prefer?

Plant the Buchs in a sunny to light, partially shaded location, which should not be too warm. The wood does not tolerate very dark or hot locations. However, it can be full sun if you slowly get the plant used to it.

What soil should boxwood be planted in?

Buchs needs a humus-rich, loose and well-drained soil. It doesn't matter to the plant whether the soil is sandy or loamy - it is important that the pH value is between seven and eight. Firm soil needs good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

What is the ideal planting time for boxwood?

container goods, i. H. Box trees grown in pots can generally be planted all year round, weather permitting. Planting in autumn or spring is ideal, when there is no frost or no more frost and the soil has already warmed up a bit. Bare-rooted plants are planted between October and the beginning of May at the latest, while box trees with developed root balls can be planted until the beginning of June.

What planting distance should you keep?

Boxwood is a flat-rooted plant that spreads its roots quite broadly and branches out, which is why solitary plants need a fairly high distance to neighboring plants. You can only place the box a little closer together when planting hedges, with the specific planting distance depending on the growth behavior of the selected variety. In the case of slow-growing variants such as the popular 'Blauer Heinz', you have to reckon with around ten plants per meter for an opaque hedge.

What is the best way to plant boxwood?

Before planting, immerse the root ball in a bucket filled with water and let it soak for at least half an hour. During this time, dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball. Mix the excavated earth with compost, horn shavings (€32.93) and some rock flour. (€14.13) Place the boxwood in the hole and make sure that the roots are not crushed. The plant must not be lower in the pot than before. Press the soil down well and water the freshly planted box thoroughly.

Can you transplant boxwood?

In principle, it is possible to transplant a boxwood. But be careful: If a book has been in its location for a long time, such a project is difficult - with a probability bordering on certainty, many roots will be destroyed. Therefore, it makes sense to prepare the transplanting well. This also includes severe pruning of the above-ground parts of the plant, since the reduced roots cannot provide them with sufficient nutrients and water anyway.

How can boxwood be propagated?

The best way to propagate Buchs is with healthy cuttings that are at least ten centimeters long. If the plants are to be larger, cut offshoots that are 20 to 30 centimeters long, with cracklings rooting more easily and quickly than cut specimens. The best time for vegetative propagation is July and August. Be patient: it takes up to half a year for the cuttings to form their first roots.

Can boxwood also be cultivated in a pot?

If the bucket is large enough and the right care is taken, boxwood can be wonderfully cultivated as a potted plant. Conventional potting soil is suitable as a substrate, which you can mix with compost and expanded clay (€19.73). The pot absolutely needs a large drainage hole at the bottom so that excess water can drain off and the box does not get wet feet. Make sure you have a sufficient and balanced supply of water and nutrients. In addition, the hardy plant needs protection from frost and other adverse weather conditions in winter.

Is boxwood also suitable as a houseplant?

The boxwood feels most comfortable outdoors, but can also be kept as a houseplant under certain circumstances. Above all, it is important that year-round cultivation in the living room is not possible: the boxwood needs a hibernation, which it best spends in a bright but unheated room or another cool room. You should also ventilate frequently and water and fertilize regularly.

Good Neighbors / Bad Neighbors

Boxwood is a good plant partner for numerous types of plants, whereby you should pay particular attention to similar needs in terms of location, soil conditions and care when putting them together. Moorland plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons are less likely to be happy in community with the lime-loving boxwood. However, blooming, tall perennials such as delphiniums, hydrangeas and scabious form a great contrast to the lush green of the boxwood.

tips

Boxwood is very susceptible to various diseases and pests. Choose varieties that are as insensitive as possible or, ideally, switch to other, similar species straight away.

Category:

Vegetable garden