Growing boxwood at home step by step

Varieties of boxwood - distinctive features

There are about 30 species of boxwood, native to the Mediterranean and some Asian regions. Each species has unique characteristics that make it different from other plant varieties. Boxwood shrubs differ in:

Growth rate
Distribution area
Bark coloration
Shape and color of leaves

Russian gardeners most often (95%) grow evergreen or common boxwood. Many lovers of plants and, in particular, ornamental ones, like to grow them in tubs. In this case, it is optimal to use Chinese low-growing varieties.

Decorating a summer cottage using boxwood.

Evergreen boxwood is a widespread plant species in Mediterranean countries and the Caucasus. Boxwood of this species grows well in semi-shaded and sunny places. In cases where the bushes are not pruned, they reach a height of 3 meters.

Small-leaved boxwood - this type of plant differs from the species described above in that this dwarf shrub is not afraid of winter cold. This plant is a descendant of the boxwood family, native to South Asia. It can withstand temperatures up to 30 degrees below zero - even in such frosts it does not need to be covered. Gardeners value this type of plant because of its compact shape and decorative crown.

Balearic boxwood is the largest species of the boxwood family. The size of its leaves reaches a length of 5 cm. In its natural environment, this plant grows on the Balearic Islands - this is Spain. This type of boxwood is also widespread in other territories: in the southern regions of Spain, in Portugal, on the coast of the Crimean Peninsula.

Boxwood in landscape design

Boxwood, like yew, is ideal for topiaries. It produces a variety of shapes: balls, cubes, cones and spirals. Heavy pruning is carried out in mid-June. You can adjust the shape at any time, with the exception of autumn and winter. April is the best month for the first pruning of the year. It is better to do the last cutting in mid-August so that the plant has time to prepare for winter. A few cut branches can be placed under your pillow to enjoy a pleasant sleep.

Large pots of boxwood look good at the entrance to the house. Balls of evergreen buxus growing near the porch look impressive. They are considered a talisman against envious people and evil spirits.

Boxwood is an ideal plant for hedges. But in the middle zone this is a risky option that requires regular “repairs”. Some of the dried or bald bushes will have to be replaced with new ones from time to time. For low evergreen hedges, landscape designers recommend boxwood with a vertically growing crown (for example, Suffruticosa). Slow-growing, frost-resistant "Blauer Heinz" with bluish leaves is used for lively patterns, ornaments and borders.

Some shapes (balls, hemispheres, cubes, etc.) are easier to grow from several seedlings planted nearby.

Green boxwood cones

Boxwood is a slow-growing plant, but it has species and varieties that give annual growth of more or less than 8 cm. Regular pruning compacts the crown, and planting in overly nutritious soil and infrequent pruning make the bush looser.

Among the boxwoods there are “giants” and “dwarfs”. You can choose fast-growing or slow-growing varieties. Interesting variegated forms have been developed (variety “Elegance”). It is worth paying attention to fast-growing plants (“Winter Gem micropholia” and “Sempea”), on which you can hone the art of creating green figures. At "B. Faulkner microphylia" is a natural spherical crown, the shape of which can only be adjusted occasionally. For growing bonsai, it is best to choose boxwood “Harlandii Hance” and “Curly Locks” with curved stems.

♦ Category: Trees and shrubs. ♥ Tags: boxwood

When purchasing another flower, we do not even know about some of the harmful properties of indoor plants, and then suddenly we notice emerging health problems. If a small child or animals live in the house, then you need to pay special attention to the choice of indoor flowers and plants in order to protect their livelihoods. Some types of plants contain poison in their sap or release harmful substances into oxygen.

In addition to plants that are not recommended to be kept at home, some flowers have an adverse effect on the human body. In this case, you need to choose the right location for the future green resident, without placing it in the bedroom or, conversely, in the kitchen.

How to properly plant boxwood on your site

Planting boxwood does not require any special gardening skills or knowledge. Transplanting three-year-old and older plants is possible in a fairly large period of time: you can start replanting them in early spring, summer, and finish replanting when late autumn comes. Boxwood that has not reached three years of age is recommended to be replanted in the fall.

When choosing seedlings, it is better to purchase plants grown in containers. You definitely need to pay attention to what color the boxwood leaves and shoots are - their color should be green, and the leaves themselves should be lush. If you find yellow spots on the leaves of a plant, you should not buy it, as it may soon die.

Planting and caring for boxwood.

It is most convenient to plant boxwood on cloudy days. First, you need to prepare the area, then dig holes in the soil, which should be slightly larger in width and depth than the root ball. When digging holes, you can use the dimensions of the container in which the bush was grown as a guide. If you decide to plant several trees to form a hedge or border, dig a ditch of sufficient width and depth.

Dig a trench and pour a 10-15 cm layer of compost on its bottom. Using a regular pitchfork, mix the compost and soil.

Then you need to prepare the seedlings. In this case, you need to straighten the roots and make sure that they do not stick out in different directions. Having inserted the bushes into the trench, they are covered with soil, and a depression is made around the trunk so that moisture accumulates in it. After planting, the boxwood bush is thoroughly watered.

To ensure that the boxwood roots do not remain dry, it is necessary to immerse them in water before planting and leave them for a day.

What trees can be planted near the house?

Plants not only provide pleasant shade in summer and a fresh aroma during flowering, but also carry positive energy.
By planting certain trees, you can make the area near a private house aesthetic and comfortable, live in harmony with nature, experience the magic of plants, be protected from harm and attract happiness. A good omen is to plant a cherry tree near your house . This unpretentious plant requires the bare minimum of care; it blooms beautifully and smells pleasant in the spring. The cherry is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity; the tree is especially revered in the East. Who hasn’t heard of the famous Japanese sakura? It is believed to be a talisman that brings good luck.

They say that a fire under a cherry tree during its blossoming period increases wealth. They plant cherries where they plan to cook kebabs and other summer dishes on the fire and grill. This is a good solution from the point of view of attracting material wealth. By the way, the most delicious kebab is made on cherry logs. Try it - you won't regret it!

Juniper

In some regions of Russia, juniper branches mark the path from the house where the deceased was recently to the cemetery. This is why not everyone wants to plant juniper near their house.

Decide for yourself whether to follow the signs, but keep in mind an important point. Juniper is one of the most powerful plants that protects against love spells, damage and evil forces. If you plant this tree near the house, all inhabitants of the home will be protected. Juniper must be placed in front of the house, and not in the backyard. Needles can be burned indoors from time to time to drive away negative energy.

Read also: How to properly grow indoor roses in a pot

Rosehip looks beautiful at any time of the year. In addition, it protects the well-being of the family near whose house it grows. This extremely positive-minded plant will not bring anything bad. The main meanings of rosehip in magic are love, passion and strong, stable family ties.

Larch

Larch looks especially attractive in the fall. The influence of the tree is necessary for those who constantly experience unreasonable doubts, fears and anxiety. Larch planted near the house helps to cope with depression, melancholy and other psychological problems. Allows you to look at life positively and restore mental strength. The tree loves the sun very much.

Acacia has a positive effect on procreation and treats infertility in both men and women. For those who cannot have a child for a long time, it is recommended to plant an acacia tree near the house. In addition, wood relieves stress and improves mood.

Many people think that spruce is an energy vampire, and this tree should not be planted near the house. But it is not so. Spruce absorbs energy throughout the summer and releases it in winter. The tree replenishes the winter lack of vitality, protects the family from quarrels, helps restrain emotions, and removes the unpleasant feeling that everything is going wrong.

But it’s still not worth planting an evergreen near the house, since powerful roots can cause a crack in the wall, and a developed crown will “smother” flowers and shrubs with shadow. Place large conifers away from structures.

It is believed that spruce drives men out of the house - it brings widowhood and divorce, and prevents the birth of boys. They were afraid to plant a spruce near the newlyweds' house, because this could deprive them of their heirs. In regions where coniferous trees are common, such signs are not believed .

Viburnum is a good option for planting near the house. Calms the nervous system and helps to recover in case of illness.

It is a protective tree and a symbol of harmony.

A maple tree near the house will help remove negative energy and reduce family quarrels. Brings longevity, love and material wealth. The life of people living in a house near a maple tree will be calm and measured.

Rowan will protect the home and family from black witchcraft, evil spirits and any negative energy. The tree develops extrasensory abilities, especially in children. Rowan teaches you to control your feelings and show them when it will benefit you. Is it possible to plant rowan near the house? The answer is definitely yes.

For women over 40 years old, rowan can give a second youth. Brings the ability to enjoy the physical side of love and good luck in relationships with the opposite sex. It is better to plant rowan near windows.

An apple tree is a great option for planting near a girl’s bedroom window. Gives beauty, charm, self-confidence, good luck in love and happiness in family life.

Fruit trees, such as peaches, are also good trees to plant near your home.

Fern

What about the fern bush near the house? There are many signs about this, both good and bad. Fern destroys negative emotions and prevents quarrels. If there are conflicts in the house between husband and wife, parents and children, this plant will reduce them to nothing. Fern has always been considered to bring money and good luck, and a reliable protection against evil spirits.

At the same time, fern is one of the most mysterious plants, with many legends associated with it. Some consider him an energy vampire and a bait for disease. From a logical point of view, this is understandable. This shade-loving plant causes allergies, absorbs oxygen and is completely unsuitable as a houseplant. On the site, the defects will not be noticeable.

How does boxwood reproduce?

Gardeners propagate boxwood bushes using only cuttings. They plant the cuttings in the garden beds. The best time to plant boxwood is spring. Autumn planting is also a good option, but if boxwood trees are planted about a month before the cold weather sets in. It is not recommended to plant later, since the plants will not have time to take root and will be unprepared for winter frosts.

The cuttings are planted in prepared soil, which is previously loosened and enriched with humus. Boxwood has a good survival rate - approximately 80% of the planted plants take root well. But despite this, it is a good idea to cover young plants. For this purpose, jars or plastic film are used. If you provide the plants with regular watering, they will take root in a month, or even earlier.

To grow tall trees in a short time, it is necessary to plant cuttings more than 20 cm in length.

Maintaining temperature and humidity

Severe frost does not have a favorable effect on boxwood bushes. If the air temperature drops to 20 degrees below zero, some weakened plants die if timely measures are not taken and they are not covered.

Therefore, before the first snow falls, preferably at the end of autumn, it is necessary to wrap the plants, for which burlap or other materials are used that can protect the boxwood from icy winds and exposure to direct rays of the sun on frosty days.

To prevent trees from being damaged by unfavorable weather conditions, plant them in semi-shaded areas. It is better to select frost-resistant species.

It is prohibited to use cellophane film to cover boxwood. Excess moisture is created under the film, which has a detrimental effect on plants.

How to water boxwood correctly

If tub plants require daily watering, then boxwood planted in open areas needs to be watered only on hot summer days. The rest of the year, watering is not required, since the plants have enough moisture, which they receive from precipitation. If the weather is dry for a long time, boxwood needs to be watered generously once every four weeks.

Periodically, plants should receive a short shower - thanks to it, the dust that has settled on them is washed off from the leaves. In addition, the shower has a beneficial effect on the seedlings - they take root faster. The main thing is to frequently loosen the soil near boxwood trees so that their roots receive more air.

Transfer

How to replant boxwood in the fall? Adult boxwood tolerates transplantation well at any age, and the favorable time for transplantation is considered to be from July to November .

Immediately after transplanting boxwood in the fall, the plant needs increased watering.

To stimulate growth , it is recommended to replant boxwood once every 3-4 years until the bush becomes large enough.

Transplantation of an adult plant is carried out in the same way as the initial planting in open ground, that is, together with a lump of earth. After replanting, in the area of the root circle it is necessary to mulch with pine bark.

Ensuring proper feeding of boxwood

Boxwood bushes should be planted in nutritious and fertile soil, which must be fed from the time the bush takes root well. Organic fertilizers are suitable for feeding.

With the onset of spring, when the soil is dug up, it is necessary to add complex fertilizers with large amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

In the autumn period of the year, it is better to use nitrogen-free fertilizers to feed shrubs - these are superphosphate and potassium salt.

Proper pruning of boxwood

Similar to fertilizing (introducing fertilizers into the soil), boxwood bushes are trimmed in the second year after planting, since it is necessary to finally make sure that the bushes have taken root. Bushes are pruned no more than once a month, during periods when the bush is most actively growing - in May-August.

Pruning boxwood will give the bushes the correct geometric shapes and create a well-groomed appearance for your garden.

Using garden shears and other special tools, the plants are trimmed and given the desired geometric shape. A month after cutting, the shape must be corrected - protruding branches must be removed.

Frequent pruning of boxwood bushes requires more frequent watering and fertilizers, which replenish the loss of nutrients and also protect the plant from losing leaves.

Plant propagation methods

Boxwood is propagated in two ways - vegetatively, seed and by cuttings. Each of them has its own characteristics.

Growing from seeds

The seed method of propagating boxwood is advantageous in that it allows you to obtain a large number of new seedlings in a short period of time. Its only drawback is that the planting material quickly loses its viability.

To obtain new plants, freshly ripened seeds are soaked for several hours in a solution with the addition of a growth stimulator. Sprout the seeds between a damp cloth folded in half. This period can last for 3-4 weeks, during which it is important to monitor the maintenance of humidity.

Advice: if after a month the sprouts still have not hatched, create a stressful situation for them by placing them in the refrigerator for a couple of days and then returning them to their previous conditions.

White sprouts are planted in a mixture of peat and sand, with the “tails” buried in the soil. Containers with planted sprouts are covered with light-transmitting film or glass. Then they are placed in a semi-shaded, warm place, waiting for the first shoots, which appear in 2-3 weeks. When the first green leaves peck, the protective film is removed and left to grow until the seedlings become stronger. The seedlings are “relocated” into the ground after the threat of spring return frosts has passed.

Propagation by cuttings

You can cut boxwood in the autumn-spring period. When propagating in autumn, it is better to plant them not in open ground, but in pots so that they can “wait out” the winter cold indoors. Only with the onset of spring can they be planted in a prepared place in the garden.

To obtain cuttings, young, non-lignified shoots are used. They are divided into sections 10-15 cm long, making cuts at an angle of 45°. Leaves are removed from the lower parts of the cuttings, after which they are soaked in a solution with the addition of a root former.

Treated chibuki are planted in a soil mixture prepared from leaf soil, sand and compost taken in equal proportions.

The cuttings are buried almost halfway and covered with plastic bottles with the bottom cut out, thereby creating a greenhouse effect. The main thing is to regularly ventilate the seedlings. Full roots will form in 30 days, a branched root system - in 60 days.

Young cuttings are very vulnerable to temperature changes. Therefore, in the first winter they must be covered with spruce branches.

What diseases and pests are dangerous to boxwood?

Boxwood leaves contain in their leaves a large number of poisonous and dangerous components that can harm the health and body of the person, but these components are not able to protect the plant from the damaging effects of all kinds of pests.

Most often, boxwood bushes are affected by boxwood gall midge and spider mites. These pests lay eggs on plant shoots. After some time, the eggs hatch into larvae that penetrate the leaves and damage them. In order to avoid infestation by these pests, it is necessary to constantly remove fallen leaves and regularly trim boxwood bushes. Chemical treatment of plants is also necessary between May and June.

Another well-known pest is a fungus called Volutella buxi. When a boxwood bush becomes infected with a fungus, the shoots begin to die. This pest can be effectively controlled by treating with fungicides and by pruning shoots affected by the fungus.

Diseases of boxwood bushes and yellow coloration of leaves along the edges can occur due to irregular watering and poor-quality feeding. To avoid these problems, the shrub needs to create favorable conditions for growth and development. Thanks to timely application of fertilizers, trees are protected from damage.

List of poisonous plants

This group of plants includes those species that should not be kept at home, especially in the presence of animals or children, due to their extremely dangerous properties. A child, like a pet, can be poisoned by such flowers or get burns if handled carelessly.

If there are no children or animals in the house, then take precautions when caring for such plants. Be sure to use gloves when working with these colors and wash your tools thoroughly. Never trim these flowers with a knife meant for eating in your kitchen.

Consider this group of plants:

Dieffenbachia.

A popular indoor plant that attracts gardeners with its huge yellow-green leaves that form a fluffy crown. The flower is dangerous because of its juice, which is released when the leaves or stem are cut. If a pet or child decides to chew any part of this flower, the juice that enters the body will cause severe poisoning. In addition, Dieffenbachia juice causes burns and irritation to the skin.
Oleander (Nerium oleander).

Popular for its bright crimson flowers. Ingestion of oleander juice into the body causes blindness. The smell of a flowering plant contributes to dizziness and poor health.
Euphorbia (Euphorbia).

This plant is represented by a huge number of species and various forms, so it cannot be described unambiguously.
Many representatives are similar in appearance to cacti and have spines, the injection of which is also dangerous for a living organism. Euphorbia contains white sap in its stem and leaves, which causes burns and irritation on the skin. If it enters the body it causes poisoning. By the way, on our website there is a large article about caring for this plant, so we recommend that you read it!
Croton.

If we talk about this plant, which belongs to the euphorbia family, then it looks like a small tree with variegated leaves that have an elongated shape. Its flowers are inconspicuous, and it rarely blooms at home. The juice of this plant causes burns on the skin. If the juice gets into the bloodstream through a cut or ingestion, the matter may result in death or intensive care.
Azalea.

A common plant among flower lovers. It is famous for its lush and attractive flowering. Azalea flowers come in a wide variety of colors: white, pink, red, yellow. It is Azalea Simsa (Indian Azalea) that is considered dangerous. Ingestion of the leaves of this flower causes intestinal colic and cramps.
Mimosa pudica.

A bizarre plant, which is externally represented by thin stems and small leaves. The leaves look fragile and delicate, and when they come into contact with an object, they curl into a tube. Prolonged human contact with these flowers leads to hair loss and hair loss. Sometimes it even comes to complete baldness. The fact is that this plant releases harmful and toxic substances that poison the human body.
Evergreen ivy (Hedera).

This plant belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is a shrub in the form of vines. Cats are very attracted to the bright green color of the leaves of this plant, but ivy leaves and berries are poisonous, so the animal can die or be seriously poisoned.
Adenium.

A very beautiful plant, which is represented by a thick, plump stem in the form of a small tree trunk. At the top there are sparse leaves and a large number of medium-sized pink flowers. The plant is very toxic, adenium juice is especially dangerous. Upon contact with the body it causes poisoning and burns.
Monstera.
Monsterra is not a very dangerous plant, but it’s still better not to have one at home
A spectacular plant with huge leaves and growing to an impressive size. Usually, monstera can be found in public places or botanical gardens. Monstera juice can cause burns on the skin, upset the digestive system, and if it gets into the eyes, it can damage them.
Philodendron.

Belongs to the aroid family. The plant is represented by bushes, vines and lush greenery. Philodendron juice is poisonous. In contact with skin and eyes, it causes irritation and burns.
Primula (Primula).

The flower has gained such popularity due to its beautiful blooms of various shades, small size and velvety leaves. During flowering, the plant releases toxic substances that cause nausea and dizziness. The velvety leaves are covered with small villi, contact with which leads to burning and allergies.
Read also: Pyrethrum maiden planting and care photo
Dwarf Stellera (Stellera chamaejasme).

The photo shows Steller in his natural habitat. This plant is known for its medicinal properties, but it can only be used for such purposes under the supervision of a doctor. The flower itself has a tall stem on which the inflorescences are located. They consist of 20-30 small white flowers. If the leaves of the plant are ingested raw into the body, it can cause swelling of the vocal cords and even numbness.
Nightshade (Solanum).

This flower attracts attention with its bright orange fruits, which adorn the evergreen shrub. These fruits are very poisonous and dangerous. May cause poisoning. The bright color of the berries attracts children and animals, so you should not keep such a flower at home.
Gesner tulip (Tulipa gesneriana).

This plant blooms very impressively. It has a medium-sized stem on which a large flower is located. The color is varied - from yellow to red. But staying indoors with this flower for a long time leads to hair loss and baldness.
Trichocereus.

This plant is a type of cactus. It has long and large needles and blooms with large white flowers that have a pleasant aroma. The plant contains hallucinogens and toxins that cause paralysis of the nervous system.

By family

The list of poisonous plants seems much longer, so when buying a flower, ask what family it belongs to. There are 4 main families of the most poisonous plants, namely:

Euphorbiaceae family. The juice of many representatives of this class is poisonous and causes burns to the skin.
Family Araceae. Most representatives of this group are toxic plants. Their juice is especially dangerous.
Kurt family. This class includes the most dangerous plants for human and animal life. They attract with their bright and colorful appearance. Wear gloves when working with flowers in this family.
Solanaceae family. In this class, not all plants are poisonous, because the well-known potatoes and tomatoes belong to this family. But home flowers are most often toxic, and especially their fruits. Berries cause indigestion, nausea, and vomiting.

Watch the video for details:

Sometimes indoor plants bring not only beauty, but also danger. For this reason, be sure to use protective equipment when working with flowers. If, no matter what, you decide to acquire such flowers, then try to protect them from possible contact with animals and children.