Boxwood Ball Shaping and Pruning Methods and Techniques

The following content guides nursery growers on how to prune a potted boxwood into a ball about 30 cm tall. Boxwood planted in the ground can also be pruned using the same method.

Materials needed

1 unpruned potted common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), about 45 cm in height and circumference, growing densely and evenly. Sharp pruning shears.

Pruning method

1. In early summer, place the potted boxwood in a spot with plenty of light.

2. Carefully observe and estimate how many times you need to prune to get a ball-shaped boxwood about 30 cm tall.

3. Working by hand, move evenly, and first cut a horizontal band according to the size of the circumference. Be careful not to cut too deep at the start; if necessary, you can prune further. (Figure A)

4. Turn the pruning shears over and use the back side of the shears to cut curves on the plant. Prune the top of the plant to define the upper curve of the ball. (Figure B)

5. Point the pruning shears downward, turn them over again, and place the front side against the plant. Cut away the excess branches and leaves at the top and middle of the plant.

6. Following the shape of the upper half of the plant, prune the branches and leaves of the lower half down to the soil. In this way, the trimmed ball looks as if it is sitting on the pot. (Figure C)

7. Sweep your hand back and forth over the ball-shaped boxwood to brush away the trimmed branches and leaves.

8. Turn the potted boxwood back and forth to examine the ball shape you have pruned, and step back a few steps to see whether the ball is symmetrical. If it needs tidying, prune it slightly and then check again. The surface of the ball may have gaps, especially on the upper part; you can only wait for new branches and leaves to grow out to fill them in.

9. In the summer of the second year, prune once or twice, in mid-summer or late summer.