Boxwood — the features of reconciliation in the design of the garden, and proper care of the shrub (90 photos)

The boxwood plant belongs to evergreen shrubs and trees. Its other name is buskus or stone tree. Boxwood grows quite slowly and has a hard wood. In addition, it is plastic and easily tolerates a haircut. This plant is a favorite of landscape designers. They create magnificent hedges and borders from it, and also use it in the formation of topiaries.

In addition, it is planted as a separate independent shrub, forming in the form of a pyramid, a ball, a cube, etc. Boxwood is also perfect for creating bizarre labyrinths. The Mediterranean, East Asia and the West Indies are considered the homeland of this shrub.

As noted earlier, the growth of a stone tree is slow, it grows only 5-6 cm per year, so the shape and density of the crown is perfectly preserved between haircuts. According to experts, with proper care, boxwood can live up to six hundred years.

The slow growth and beautiful appearance contributed to the fact that it has become an indispensable part of any garden and park ensemble. It is also possible to grow it as a houseplant.

Growing in nature, boxwood can reach a height of 14 meters. There are tree and shrub species of buskus.

Summary of the article:

There are about three dozen types of boxwood. Despite the fact that 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 nondescript. The boxwood photo shows that its fruits are solid three-sided boxes, inside of which there are small black seeds.

How to plant boxwood correctly

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

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

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

It is necessary to plant boxwood in April-May, when stable warm weather is established. Transplanting of adult bushes is possible not only in spring, but also in the summer and autumn period.

It is necessary to dig out grown plants with extreme care 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 pit floor should be filled 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. Next, watering is necessary. Only then the plant is placed in the pit. After the roots are straightened, it is filled in and the trunk area is carefully compacted.

Rules of care

Buskus is a southern plant. It perfectly tolerates the effects of hot sunlight in summer, but in spring they can have a negative impact, causing burns. Thus, the burning spring sun, as well as cold weather, can cause boxwood to die. This can be avoided if preventive measures are taken.

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

Shtambovy boxwood should be securely tied to the support posts and overlaid with pine or spruce branches. For large shrubs, it will be appropriate to use several layers of non-woven material as insulation at once.

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

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 protected from the bright sun and cold winds. The most favorable place for buskus is penumbra.

During the year, boxwood must be mulched. Peat or humus can be used for these purposes. 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 of leaves will also be appropriate. But it is important to remember that in winter it is necessary to reduce the amount of watering.

Care for boxwood includes systematic fertilizing with mineral or organic fertilizers. This procedure should 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, so there are quite a few insects that harm it – boxwood felt, spider mite and Monarthropalpus fly. In addition, a fungus can harm buskus.

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

Boxwood reproduces with the help of seeds and vegetatively. Experts advise using the latter option, since boxwood seeds have low germination.

How to care for buskus at home

Boxwood has been grown as a houseplant for a long time. It is better to place a pot with a shrub on the east or west window. Remember that buskus loves diffused lighting, so it should be shaded, protecting it from direct sunlight.

Strict compliance with the irrigation regime is equally important. It is necessary to carefully ensure that there is no water in the tray. Otherwise, it 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 survive the winter favorably, the indoor temperature should not be higher than 10 ° C. Transfer is possible only by way of transshipment. It is desirable to carry it out every 2-3 years. It is possible to prune the crown throughout the year.