GENERAL INFORMATION
Once established in ground, Buxus are drought tolerant. If potted keep MOIST. Buxus hate being over watered and soggy soil.
Buxus thrive in soil of a Ph between 6.5 and 7.5. They do not like acidic soil. Use a product such as Dolomite Lime to neutralise soil.
When planting, plant deep, up to and including the lower branches. Buxus do not get collar rot. This eliminates gaps under your hedge.
When planting ‘bare rooted’ stock make sure you flood the roots with water. This helps eliminate air pockets and enables soil to smother roots. After this is completed go back to normal watering.
Buxus do not like bore water as it is generally too salty and high in minerals. If direct contact with foliage, it will burn and discolour foliage rapidly and eventually kill the plant.
When trimming Buxus, make sure it is done on a cool day (particularly with no hot days to follow) and use QUALITY hand shears. Wet down the Buxus with water before cutting as this helps lubricate shears and creates a cleaner cut. Note: hand shears tend to give a cleaner cut. Electric or petrol cutters can be used but do produce a cleaner cut like hand shears, if not sharp they can rip or shred foliage and branches.
Buxus love chook manure or pellets. Apply a generous handful to each trunk at least twice a year. Dolomite Lime can also be used at least twice a year, again a generous handful to each trunk.
Long release fertilisers such as Osmocote can be used, however only a small amount should be applied at a maximum of twice a year.
If box hedge foliage is going a bronze colour or yellow orange, we advise to check soil for too much water. If too much water is apparent this needs to be addressed. Alternatively they may need a big feed of fertilizer and or Dolomite Lime. If plants are infected with a pest such as woolly aphids or scale, use a white oil to get rid of them or a pesticide such as Confidor.
INSTALLATION OF BUXUS IN GROUND
· Buxus do not get collar rot so plant them deep, up to and including the lower branches. This will prevent hedge gaps and create a more uniform look. Roots will sprout from stem and branches that have been buried.
· If Buxus are supplied bare rooted they MUST be watered in (flooded) thoroughly using a strong water current or a ¼ inch sprinkler riser attached to a hose. Push hose nozzle into the ground to flood. This allows soil to collapse around roots as Buxus do not like air pockets around their root system. Potted Buxus also need a thorough watering in too.
· Once established in ground Buxus will rarely need watering as they are a drought tolerant plant. During warmer months particularly Summer check surrounding soil and if very dry give Buxus a good soak.
· When planting a continuous hedge in ground, remember that it is a lot easier to dig a trench than individual holes. Note: Dolomite Lime and chook manure can be scattered at the bottom of the trench before planting.
INSTALLATION OF BUXUS IN POTS
· After installation you can fertilise immediately to help promote establishment and growth. Use Dolomite Lime, chook manure and if you have Seasol, give the Buxus a decent water with it.
· Buxus do not get collar rot so plant them deep, up to and including the lower branches. This will prevent hedge gaps and create a more uniform look. Roots will sprout from stem and branches that have been buried.
· If Buxus are supplied bare rooted they MUST be watered in (flooded) thoroughly using a strong water current or a ¼ inch sprinkler riser attached to a hose (press the riser into the soil surrounding Buxus). This allows soil to collapse around roots as Buxus do not like air pockets around their root system.
· After initial installation, water the Buxus in pots regularly but be sure not to over water them or allow them to sit in water as they do not like this.
· Make sure there is ample drainage in base of pot that will not block up and drown plant.
FERTILISER
Seasol or another seaweed based fertiliser (to help tree roots establish)
Dolomite Lime (to help neutralise Ph, twice a year)
Bounce Back aka. chicken manure (max. three times a year)
Osmocote (slow release max. twice a year, small amount)
Calcium Nitrate (fast release max. twice a year, small amount)
Rustica Plus (fast release max. twice a year, small amount)