A Detailed Guide to the Key Points of Boxwood Care and Pruning Techniques

Boxwood is a relatively common landscaping plant with strong environmental adaptability, and it is cultivated in many parts of our country. The wood of boxwood has a fine grain and tough texture, making it very suitable for making wooden combs or carved items, and it has high economic value. So how do you grow boxwood? What are the key points of pruning techniques?

1. How do you grow boxwood?

Boxwood can be cultivated in a fairly wide range of locations, and because of its strong stress resistance, it can grow in many types of soil conditions, but the most suitable soil conditions for boxwood growth are fertile, moist soil. When fertilizing boxwood, the fertilizer should be fully decomposed and buried deep in the planting hole. The best time to plant boxwood is before the leaves sprout in spring or after the tree's metabolic activity slows down in autumn. When planting, the spacing should be reasonably planned to ensure that each sapling has enough growing space and nutrients. Boxwood needs frequent irrigation during growth, and during both the seedling stage and cultivation, the growing environment must be kept within a suitable moisture range. During the seedling stage, water once after planting is completed so that the branches can take root and stabilize, then carry out the second irrigation after an interval of 1 week, and the third irrigation after another interval of half a month. After these 3 waterings, irrigation can be carried out as appropriate according to the weather, but the amount of irrigation should be determined according to how much the seedlings have rooted. Ensure that the root system of the seedlings always remains below the soil, avoiding the root system being exposed and the seedlings lodging. It should be noted that in the later stage of seedling growth, the number of irrigations should be reduced to speed up the lignification of the seedlings. In summer, to prevent water from evaporating too quickly, choose the early morning and evening when sunlight is weaker for irrigation work.

2. What are the key points of boxwood pruning techniques?

During the growth period, boxwood can have excess branches, leggy branches and overlapping branches cut away at any time. Boxwood generally sprouts relatively quickly, and cutting off the top 1-2 nodes can prevent leggy growth.

1. Shearing

When shearing boxwood, maintain a broad base and a narrow top. A top-heavy boxwood suffers snow damage and structural defects. Shear the hedge after the spring growth period.

2. Thinning

Do not prune boxwood for at least six weeks before the first frost. Newly pruned branches cannot protect themselves from cold frost. If air and light cannot circulate, it will encourage pests and fungal diseases.

3. Pruning

Pruning requires routine maintenance and trimming to maintain its shape and design. Indoor bonsai pruning can be done at any time. Avoid severely cutting back any part, because it may take several years to regrow before it recovers.

4. Renewal pruning

Renewal pruning encourages new growth and structural integrity. Boxwood generally does not have a problem with growing too fast, and renewal pruning is often an unsuccessful recovery. This pruning is best done in late winter and early spring.