Description of boxwood

There are approximately three dozen types of boxwood. Even though the plant is poisonous, it is known for its medicinal and antibacterial qualities.

Boxwood flowers do not play a decorative role — they are small and inconspicuous. The photo of boxwood shows that its fruits are solid three-lobed boxes, inside of which there are small black seeds.

How to plant boxwood

This shrub is best planted in neutrally acidic loamy soil. Soil fertility does not play a significant role. The main thing is to ensure looseness, breathability and good drainage. Then the box will grow strong, with a dense shiny crown.

The plant does not tolerate stagnant water. In addition, heavy or acidic soil is not suitable for planting boxwood. Sandy soil requires the addition of slaked lime or mature compost without fail.

It is allowed to plant buscus in pots, digging them directly into the ground. In them, boxwood can endure wintering. In addition, young seedlings should also be kept in pots for a couple of years before planting them in open soil.

Boxwood should be planted in April-May, when stable warm weather is established. Transplantation of adult bushes is possible not only in spring, but also in the summer-autumn period.

Dig up grown plants with extreme caution so as not to damage the root system. It is desirable to provide an opportunity for a stone tree to grow in one place. To do this, it will be enough to periodically replace the top layer of soil.

The volume of the pit should be twice the volume of the roots. The floor of the pit should be covered with a mixture of river sand, humus and turf in a ratio of 1 to 4 to 2. The addition of potash fertilizer is allowed. Further watering is required. Only then is the plant placed in the hole. After the roots are straightened, it is covered and the near-stem zone is carefully compacted.

Care rules

Buscus is a southern plant. It perfectly tolerates the effects of hot sunlight in the summer, but in the spring they can have a negative effect, causing burns. Thus, the burning spring sun, as well as cold weather, can cause boxwood to die. This can be avoided by taking precautionary measures.

For borders, you can use special nets, burlap and other non-woven variations of insulation. For small single plants, plywood boxes with ventilation holes are suitable.

Standard boxwood must be securely tied to support posts and overlaid with pine or spruce branches. For large shrubs, it would be appropriate to use several layers of non-woven material as a heater at once.

As soon as warm weather sets in in the spring, all insulation should be removed immediately. Such protection is effective, but often not convenient. In such a situation, the fact that boxwood loves shade will help a lot.

As a result, boxwood shrubs are best placed under the shade of taller trees or in the shade of a house. Thus, they will be shielded from the bright sun and cold winds. The most favorable place for buscus is partial shade.

During the year, boxwood must be mulched. For these purposes, you can use peat or humus. Also, this plant needs to be watered regularly, because it is quite moisture-loving.

In no case should the soil be allowed to dry out. Spraying the leaves will also be appropriate. But it is important to remember that in the winter it is necessary to reduce the amount of watering.

Boxwood care also includes systematic fertilizing with mineral or organic fertilizers. This procedure must be carried out up to 4 times during the summer season.

An important aspect is the haircut. It should be carried out 2-3 times a year to maintain the desired shape of the crown.

Boxwood is poisonous, and therefore there are quite a few insects that harm it — boxwood felt, spider mites and Monarthropalpus fly. In addition, a fungus can harm the buscus.

For preventive purposes, when cutting a plant, it is necessary to remove all dry and withered branches. Treatment with special solutions will also help.

Boxwood propagates by seeds and vegetatively. Experts advise using the latter option, since boxwood seeds have low germination.

How to care for buscus at home

For a long time, boxwood has been grown as a houseplant. A shrub pot is best placed on an east or west window. Remember that buscus loves diffused lighting, so it should be shaded, protected from direct sunlight.

Equally important is strict adherence to the irrigation regime. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no water in the pan. Otherwise, this can lead to the fact that the roots of the plant will begin to rot.

Evergreen home boxwood requires daily watering and spraying. In the cold season, watering is reduced.

In order for the plant to endure the winter favorably, the temperature in the room should be no higher than 10 ° C. Transplantation is possible only by transshipment. It is advisable to carry it out every 2-3 years. Crown pruning can be done throughout the year.

With proper care, boxwood will delight you with its beautiful appearance for decades. Remember this.

photo of boxwood