The ideal boxwood is dense and green throughout from January to December. But there is by no means a guarantee for this. Rather, its owner must provide it with good nutrients. Because the shrub quickly shows signs of deficiency, which can take a toll on its foliage.
What deficiency symptoms can occur with boxwood?
For he althy growth, the box especially needsNitrogen,PotassiumandPhosphorusDeficiencies can occur in these three elements. A lack of nitrogen causes growth problems and its resistance suffers from a lack of potassium. If phosphorus is missing, flower formation suffers, which doesn't bother boxwood.
What are possible causes of deficiency symptoms?
The boxwood (Buxus) grows very, very slowly. Some owners are quick to assume that this means it only needs a few nutrients. But the box is a medium-feeder that relies on a regular supply of nutrients. The main cause of deficiency symptoms are errors in fertilization: frequency, dosage, fertilizer composition. But there are also other possible causes of nutrient deficiency:
- changed soil conditions at the location
- poor nutrient absorption due to root rot
How do I recognize a nitrogen deficiency and what can I do about it?
Older boxwood leavesare affected by nitrogen deficiency. First they turnpale yellow, a little later thetips turn brownThe defect occurs more frequently when the box is in a sandy place. You can remedy acute deficiency by injecting diluted nettle manure or using a nitrogen-containing preparation. Otherwise, horn shavings are a good, long-term source of nitrogen. 30 to 40 grams per square meter of floor space should be sufficient.
When and why is the element potassium important?
Potassiumstrengthens the resistance of the shrubs. This will help you survive harsh winters and recover better from diseases and pest infestations. You need a lot of this element:
- young specimens
- weakened boxwoods
If necessary, administer special potassium fertilizer, e.g. B. Patent potassium or potassium magnesia. They promote the woodiness of the new shoots and increase winter hardiness.
How much phosphorus does boxwood need?
Compared to nitrogen and potassium, the box needs muchsmaller amounts of phosphorus The element is usually contained in sufficient quantities in the fertilizer. If there is still an undersupply, it is hardly noticeable. Because regular cutting prevents a boxwood from blooming at all. In addition, some people find that a flowering box smells like cat urine.
Tip
Attention: Brown shoot tips can also be a symptom of shoot death
Shoot death is a boxwood disease caused by fungal pathogens that can severely weaken boxwoods. It affects not only shoots, but also leaves. The brown leaf discoloration should not be hastily confused with a nitrogen deficiency.
