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Are boxwood acid-loving plants?
While boxwood is part of the evergreen family, there’s one thing that makes them different. Most evergreens need to be fed Holly-tone, an organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants. But, boxwood — and arborvitaes — are evergreen shrubs that are not acid-loving plants.
Do boxwoods like acidic fertilizers?
Boxwood (Buxus spp.) is an extremely popular hedge and topiary plant because of its tolerance for heavy pruning. Boxwood prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils and benefits from occasional light fertilizer applications.
Is bone meal good for boxwoods?
However, you should know that boxwood grows best on calcareous land. To plant the boxwood, choose an acid, limestone-rich soil, to which will be added, if possible, fertilizer or bone meal. Once this is done, seal the hole and tamp the soil until it is well-packed. Boxwood can also be planted in containers.
Can you overwater boxwoods?
Often, if you are over-watering your boxwood, the foliage may turn yellow or wilt. Sometimes the foliage may fade or turn pale compared to usual. And remember – maintaining a 1-inch layer of organic mulch around your plant and its driplines can ensure its shallow roots stay hydrated but not soggy.
Can boxwood be cut back hard?
“Boxwoods can be cut back pretty dramatically and they’ll re-grow nicely. “But because boxwoods are very prone to winter damage, you want to time their pruning—especially a hard pruning—carefully. The best time is that period where the end of winter meets the beginning of Spring, just before the new growth appears.
What should the pH of soil be for boxwood?
Test the soil pH using an at-home testing kit. Boxwood prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Why do I need to take care of my boxwood?
Therefore, for some plants to thrive, they need to have special care. Initially, the soil the plant is installed into should be amended to make it more acidic and to increase the amount of organic matter in the soil. Over time, the soils acidity should be supplemented with an acid-based fertilizer.
What kind of fertilizer to use on boxwood plants?
The ideal levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in the soil can help boxwood plants thrive. Amendments can be made based on the results of the soil analysis. If you didn’t perform a soil test, incorporate a 10-10-10 fertilizer into the soil prior to planting.
What kind of climate does boxwood grow in?
Many boxwood cultivars grow well in a temperate Mediterranean climate. “Green Velvet” boxwood is hardy in USDA plant zones 5a to 9a, while American boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) — also called common boxwood — grows best in zones 6a to 8a.