Occasionally there is a strong smell of cat urine in the garden, even though there are no cats running around in it. The unpleasant smell is most intense especially near the boxwood. But can it actually be that the evergreen bush smells of cat urine?
Why does my boxwood smell like cat urine?
The inconspicuous flowers of boxwoods have an intensely resinous scent. But for some people, theflower scentreminds them more of cat urine. Mainly affected arevarieties of the common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). The scent cannot be influenced. Ensure there is enough distance or plant replacements.
When does the boxwood smell like cat urine?
Young boxwoods do not initially bloom at all, but grow at a slow pace. The first flowering period and thus the “stench” can only be expected from around the age of ten. The flowering period is heavily dependent on the weather. It begins aroundMarchand can continueuntil May. As a rule, the boxwood alternates years with many flowers and years with few flowers, which also affects the intensity of the odor nuisance.
Can I do something about the smell of urine on the boxwood?
Unfortunately, the smellcannot be effectively eliminated or reduced. It disappears on its own when the flowering period is over. If the smell of urine is unbearable for you, you have to remove the box from the property or replant it somewhere away. Even older box trees can be transplanted easily if the shallow roots are carefully dug out. If the boxwood is further away from paths, windows and popular places in the garden, the scent evaporates over the distance and remains bearable.
Can't I just cut off the flower buds?
Yes, regular pruning actually helps prevent many boxwoods from blooming at all. But from nature's point of view, this is very unfortunate. Because boxwood flowers are very rich in pollen and nectar. As abee pasture, it attracts many bees, bumblebees and butterflies, among other things. In addition, it is occasionally reported that some boxwoods smell slightly of urine even outside of the flowering period, so the scent can also emanate from the leaves.
Which types of boxwood do not smell like cat urine?
If you want to avoid the unpleasant smell, these types are ideal:
- Small-leaved boxwood (Buxus microphylla)
- Asian boxwoods (Buxus sinica)
Tip
There are alternatives for the evergreen boxwood
The boxwood is so popular because it has evergreen foliage. Unfortunately, it is increasingly endangered by the box tree borer. Evergreen types of holly or myrtles are good alternatives for new plantings. And the problem with the unpleasant smell is solved.
