The evergreen boxwood may seem a bit boring at first glance, but it is extremely versatile. The tree grows very slowly, but can get very old - and, if you don't cut it or cut it only a little, it can reach a height of up to five meters. Boxwood feels most comfortable in humus-rich, slightly loamy soil - and should be given regular fertilizer. However, the blue corn that many gardeners like to use is not suitable for this.
Why is blue grain unsuitable for boxwood and what alternatives are there?
Blue grain is unsuitable for boxwood because it contains a lot of phosphorus, which is intended for flowering plants and boxwood rarely blooms. Instead, we recommend boxwood fertilizer, green plant fertilizer, compost, horn shavings, rock dust, eggshells or nettle manure to optimally cover the nutrient requirements of the boxwood trees.
Why blue grain is unsuitable for boxwood
Blue grain contains a lot of phosphorus, which is, however, wasted on boxwood: The nutrient is particularly important for flowering plants, but boxwood only blooms very rarely. The other composition of the fertilizer also causes over-fertilization when used regularly, to which boxwood reacts very sensitively. Although the tree relies on regular fertilization, due to its slow growth it only needs a little and, above all, in a different composition. The nutrients potassium and nitrogen are particularly important - both also ensure the beautiful green color of the leaves. If you still want to fertilize with blue grain, a few grains are enough.
Suitable fertilizers for boxwood
There are a number of more suitable fertilizers for boxwood that contain the necessary nutrients and trace elements. These include, for example:
- Boxwood fertilizer: comes in different forms and is perfectly adapted to the needs of different types of boxwood
- Green plant fertilizer: these mixtures are also tailored to the needs of green plants and ensure beautiful leaf color
- Compost: this biological fertilizer is perfect for many plants, including boxwood, advantage: nutrients are released slowly, over-fertilization is not possible
- Horn shavings or horn meal: have a high nitrogen content, especially in combination with compost, perfect for boxwood
- Rock dust: good for the alkaline soil that boxwood needs, it also contains many valuable minerals and trace elements, only in combination (e.g. with compost and horn shavings)
- Eggshells: Boxwood needs lime, which is why you can crush eggshells and add them to the watering water
- Stinging nettle manure: home-made nettle manure is a wonderful liquid fertilizer that also keeps pests away. Mix rock dust into the brew, this softens the strong smell.
On the other hand, organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure or coffee grounds are less suitable. The former is ideal for plants with a high nutrient requirement, while coffee lowers the pH value of the soil.
Tip
The easiest way to ensure that the book is adequately supplied is with a slow-release fertilizer: apply this in early spring and then rest.
