Box plants are one of the most popular evergreen shrubs in the UK, and for good reason. Whether you are a seasoned topiary artist or an occasional gardener just looking for edging in your flower beds orpotted hedging, box hedge plants could be the answer you are looking for.
In this blog we are going to look at the many benefits of this versatile evergreen shrub, before moving on to a helpful guide about when to plant box hedges and some general tips on planting and maintenance - read on for everything you need to know!
The benefits of box plants
Why do gardeners choose box hedging? There are numerous reasons why the Buxus sempervirens, to use the botanical name, are so popular in UK gardens - let's run through a few of those now:
- Low maintenance: box plants, and by extension box trees, are slow growing shrubs, which means that they do not require much work to keep them neat and tidy. This means that for the relaxed gardener, they don't need to worry about pruning and clipping, and for those that enjoy creating wonderful topiary, it doesn't require much effort to keep it in your desired shape all year round.
- Wonderfully versatile: would you like a hedge to offer a bit more privacy in your garden? Or maybe to edge your beds? How about a show-stopping centre-piece in a planting box, or even a maze!? Whether you have a traditional garden, or a modern minimalist one, box hedges will fit in perfectly.
- Easy to grow: Box plants can be planted in almost any well drained garden soil, and will thrive in sun, partial shade and can even grow in deep shade. They can withstand cold winters, and even thrive in very dry ground - wherever you need some hedging, these strong little shrubs won't let you down.
- Evergreen hedges: A box hedge will produce small yellow flowers in April and May (which will attract plenty of bees), but as an evergreen plant, the main appeal is the dense growth of beautiful green box leaves, which you can enjoy all year round.
The best time to plant box hedging
There are two different ways to plant a box hedge - you can either grown from the bare root, or you can use container grown plants. Whichever option you select will determine the best time to plant, so let's look at each one individually.
Bare root plants
Bare root hedging is the more economical option, but there is a much smaller planting window for them. They need to be planted over the winter, between November and March. They are lightweight roots, so easy for one person to lift, and they are also quick to establish. Young plants need plenty of moisture, but the soil will naturally be wet at that time of year, so you don't need to worry about watering.
Container grown box plants
Box plants are available all year, so don't feel like you have to wait until winter to get your box hedging project started! Order them online whenever you're ready, and have them delivered right to your door.
How to plant box hedging
Box can be planted in a few easy steps:
- Dig a planting hole: You need to make sure the roots will have enough room to spread out comfortably. If you are planting a hedge, then dig a trench, around the depth of a spade, around 90 cm wide. If you are just planting one specimen, dig to the same depth and about three times the diameter of the rootball. Finally, if you are using a planting box or container, make sure it is at least 45 cm in diameter.
- Prepare the soil: Ensure the area is free of weeds, and add some organic matter, like well-rotted manure or fresh compost, prior to planting. Fork it in well, don't just leave it to rest on top of the surface.
- Feed: To give your box plants the best possible start, try using some rootgrow or fish blood & bone.
- Resist the temptation to prune: It's vital you give them time to establish before you start pruning
- Water: Give it plenty of water and let it thrive!
It is also possible to use box cuttings to grow box plants, but they could take around 8 months to root without a heated propagator.
Box maintenance tips
As we mentioned, box is a low maintenance plant. They probably won't need watering once they have established, except for really dry weather periods of the summer. If your plant is in a container, then you may need to water more often, as they won't have as much access to water.
In terms of when to cut box hedging, aim to cut back the stems of young plants in May to encourage new growth, while mature plants are best trimmed in August. Shape them how you want them, and they should hold their shape for the year.
By knowing when to prune box hedging, you can help fight against box blight. The other main threat you may discover is box tree moth - for this you may have to deploy an insecticide on the affected plants.
Conclusion
Have a look through our huge range ofGardeners Dream hedging - all you need to do is select the ones you love and with our free UK delivery, your next bushy plants will arrive at your doorstep in no time at all.
