2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 15:51
© Hans Braxmeier |
Latin name: Buxus Family: Boxwood Categories: Ornamental trees and shrubs |
Boxwood (Latin Buxus) - an evergreen shrub or tree of the Boxwood family. Under natural conditions, boxwood grows in the Mediterranean, East India and Southeast Asia. Currently, there are about 30 species.
Characteristics of culture
Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub or tree 2-15 m high. Shoots are straight, tetrahedral, green, densely leafy. Leaves are opposite, whole-edged, leathery with gloss, rounded or elliptical, dark green in color. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, collected in axillary or capitate inflorescences, have a pleasant aroma. The fruit is a three-celled capsule, spherical in shape with valves. Seeds are black, shiny. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the leaves.
Growing conditions
Boxwood is a thermophilic plant, it feels great both in sunny and shaded areas. The culture is not demanding for soil conditions, but it develops best on loose, well-drained, fertile and moderately moist soils with a high lime content. Boxwood has a negative attitude to saline and heavy soils. According to the level of winter hardiness, the plants are not predictable, much depends on the location of the shrubs on the site. Boxwoods grown on dry and poor soils tend to withstand cold winters better than on compacted and heavy ones.
Application
Boxwood is a highly ornamental plant that looks great both in single and group plantings. Often the culture is used to form hedges and curbs. Due to the fact that boxwoods have the ability to maintain a certain shape for a long time, in the southern regions plants are used in topiary art.
Reproduction and planting
Boxwoods are propagated by seeds, summer and autumn cuttings. The second method is the most common and effective. As a rule, 80 to 100% of cuttings are rooted. Summer cuttings are cut in June - July, and autumn cuttings - in late August - early September. The length of the cuttings should be about 5-10 cm. The two upper leaves are left on the cuttings, the rest are removed.
Cuttings are planted in a substrate consisting of garden soil and peat (1: 1), and covered with plastic wrap. Watering is carried out daily. After about 3-4 weeks, the cuttings take root. By autumn, neat bushes are formed, which are transplanted to a permanent place. Cuttings that are not fully rooted are planted in containers and kept until spring in room conditions.
Care
Boxwood is a rather capricious culture. The most difficult period for the cultivation of box trees is a long and protracted winter with alternating frosts and thaws, as well as abrupt changes of cloudy and sunny days. Snowless winters are also dangerous for plants. In the fall, before the onset of stable frosts, abundant water-charging irrigation is carried out, which allows the shrubs to saturate for the winter months. After watering, the near-trunk zone is mulched with peat or rotted coniferous needles. It is not recommended to use fallen foliage, since in conditions of wet winters it causes podoprevanie box trees and the development of various fungal and viral diseases.
The low, globular shapes of box trees are covered with wooden or plastic boxes with ventilation holes. Standard trees protect against breakage and wet snow by means of props and a protective cover in the form of spruce branches or non-woven material. Hedges and boxwood borders are covered with burlap in two or three layers, carefully securing the ends. With the onset of spring, the shelters are removed, and the snow remaining near the trunk circles is loosened and cleaned off to the side. This procedure will contribute to the rapid heating of the soil and the supply of moisture to the roots and leaves.
Sanitary pruning and shearing is carried out in April, in the northern regions - in early May. Since box trees grow very slowly, it is necessary to limit ourselves to light crown adjustments and pruning new growths. Shoots are cut to old wood only if the plants have completely lost their shape. Culture also needs regular feeding. During the season, at least three dressings are carried out. Organic fertilizers are applied only in autumn; bird droppings or slurry are ideal for this purpose.
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