What to plant in front of boxwoods?
I love the neatness of boxwood hedges and how they bring classic elegance to the garden. For a pop of color in front, I had great success with vibrant impatiens. Their continuous blooms were a delightful contrast to the boxwoods’ deep green. I’m also considering hostas for a different look – I love their large, textured leaves and how they thrive in partial shade, the perfect complement to the boxwoods behind them. I’m excited to experiment and see which plants create the most beautiful and harmonious design in my front yard.
Why are my boxwoods turning brown?
I’m worried about my boxwoods! They’ve been looking great all year, but lately the leaves have been turning brown. It’s been getting frustrating. At first, I wondered if it could be the winter we just had. We had a cold snap with drying winds, and I’ve read that can cause the leaves to lose moisture and turn brown. I’m hoping it’s just winter stress and they’ll bounce back in the warmer weather. But if they don’t improve, I might need to investigate some of those nasty boxwood diseases I’ve heard about.
Are boxwoods poisonous to dogs?
Sadly, I learned the hard way that boxwoods can be a problem for dogs. My normally well-behaved pup got into them when I wasn’t looking and ended up feeling really sick. I had no idea, but apparently, those cute little leaves contain toxins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Thankfully, it didn’t get too serious, and a visit to the vet set him right. But it definitely gave me a scare and taught me a valuable lesson. Now I’m extra cautious and keep him well away from the boxwoods!
How far apart to plant boxwoods?
The last time I planted boxwoods, I wanted to create a dense hedge, so getting the spacing right was important. After some research, I learned it really depends on the variety of boxwood you’re planting and the mature size. I chose a compact variety, so I planted them about 2 feet apart. The goal was for them to eventually grow together for that classic solid hedge look. I’m excited to see it fill in over the years! If you want something less formal, spacing them further apart will give them room to grow with more space in between.
How to propagate boxwood?
Propagating boxwoods has been a fun experiment for me. I find it incredibly rewarding to take some cuttings from my established plants and watch them grow into new ones! I usually try to propagate them in the summer when the stems are semi-ripe. I carefully select healthy-looking sections and trim them down, then give the cut ends a little dip in rooting hormone before sticking them into a mix of potting soil and sand. Keeping the soil moist and the cuttings away from direct sun has been key. It takes some patience, but the thrill of seeing new roots pop out is worth the wait!
How to revive a dying boxwood shrub?
I’ve got a boxwood shrub in my backyard that’s been struggling. To be honest, I’ve always taken boxwoods for granted, assuming they’re super-hardy. But after seeing some brown patches and thinning branches, I’m realizing I need to act! First, I did some research on likely issues like pests, diseases, or maybe even poor soil conditions. Then, I got to work – I gave the shrub a good pruning to remove the dead parts, fertilized it, and made sure it was getting enough water. I’m holding on to a bit of hope as I wait and see if my efforts help; there’s still a little green in there! It’s a reminder that sometimes even familiar plants deserve extra attention.
Can boxwoods grow in shade?
While my boxwoods in full sun are thriving, I’ve always loved the idea of incorporating them into shadier areas of my landscaping too. I did some digging and learned that yes, they can tolerate some shade, although they won’t be quite as full and dense as their sun-loving counterparts. I’m thinking about experimenting under some of my larger trees – the dappled sunlight might create a really beautiful effect. It’s great to know they’re so versatile and give me options for different parts of my yard!
When to fertilize boxwoods?
I like to feed my boxwoods with fertilizer in the early spring – it gives them a good energy boost right as they’re starting their new growth cycle. I use a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated specifically for evergreens, which provides those essential nutrients they need over a longer period. Plus, slow-release formulas are safer, so I don’t have to worry about accidentally overdoing it. Seeing them grow healthy and lush all season long is proof that this springtime ritual is well worth it!
How often to water boxwoods?
Watering my boxwoods has definitely been a bit of a learning curve. They seem pretty tough, but I’ve noticed they can get stressed if they’re too dry, especially newly planted ones. During the first year, I make sure to give them really deep waterings about once a week if we don’t get much rain. For more established shrubs, I usually only water during really hot and dry spells. I like to poke my finger into the soil – if it feels dry a couple of inches down, it’s time to water!
Is 10-10-10 fertilizer good for boxwoods?
While 10-10-10 fertilizer isn’t harmful for boxwoods, it might not be the absolute best choice. They really thrive with a steady supply of nitrogen, which helps keep their leaves that beautiful, rich green color. A fertilizer with a higher nitrogen ratio, like 20-5-5 or similar, would be a better fit. I’ve even had good results using a fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens on my boxwoods. It’s all about giving them those targeted nutrients they love!
Do boxwoods like acidic soil?
Unlike many of my favorite flowering shrubs, I’ve learned boxwoods actually prefer a slightly alkaline or neutral soil pH. Our soil tends to be a bit on the acidic side, so I’ve made a habit of testing yearly and adding a bit of lime if needed to bring things into balance. Since I’ve started paying attention to their soil needs, my boxwoods have honestly been so much happier and healthier.
How long do boxwoods live?
Boxwoods are some of my favorite long-lived shrubs. They add a classic, timeless feel to the garden, and knowing I may enjoy them for decades brings me so much satisfaction. I understand they can live for 20-30 years with good care, and some really old specimens are known to last centuries! I always get a little thrill when I think about my own boxwoods getting older and more established over time – they’re like a garden legacy.
Do boxwoods attract flies?
I’ve noticed that in the spring, right when my boxwoods get that flush of new green growth, there seem to be a lot of tiny flies buzzing around. I did some research and learned about boxwood leafminers, which lay their eggs in those new leaves. Not a fun fact! While the flies aren’t bothersome to me, I do worry a bit about the damage the larvae can cause. I’m on the lookout for any signs of them and might consider preventative treatment if it becomes a problem.
How deep are boxwood roots?
While boxwoods look so neat and tidy above ground, I’ve learned that they are surprisingly shallow-rooted. Most of their roots stay within the top foot or so of soil, spreading out horizontally from the main trunk. This is important to remember when gardening around them – I try to avoid any deep digging that might damage their root system. It’s also good to know when it comes to transplanting – since the roots are relatively contained, moving boxwoods isn’t as daunting as it might seem!
Is boxwood poisonous to cats?
Sadly, I learned the hard way that boxwoods are indeed toxic to cats. Our normally curious cat got nibbling on the leaves, and she ended up with an upset stomach. It was quite alarming! Luckily, she recovered quickly, but it made me realize just how important it is to be aware of potentially poisonous plants around my pets. Now, I make sure to keep her away from the boxwoods and am always mindful when introducing anything new to our garden.
