Boxwood in its various types and varieties is one of the most popular trees in the garden. Cultivated in a pot, it also cuts a fine figure on the balcony or terrace - especially when cut into interesting shapes and thus creates an exciting, evergreen contrast to flowers and other flowering plants.
How do you properly care for boxwood in a pot?
When caring for boxwood in a pot, it should be given light partial shade or sun, planted in a sufficiently large pot with conventional substrate for green plants, and watered and fertilized regularly. In winter, frost protection measures for the potted plant are recommended.
Location
Although the boxwood does well in full sun as long as the location is not too warm and protected, it prefers light partial shade. In a sunny spot, dry damage or even burns are not uncommon, especially on hot days. If you still want the box in the sun, get used to it slowly and don't put it there immediately after purchasing it.
Substrate and pot
A conventional substrate for green plants is usually sufficient, which you should fill in a sufficiently large and deep pot. Boxwood has very sensitive roots that react quickly to disturbances. They also spread both in width and depth and branch out very heavily. Basically, the boxwood is a shallow-rooted tree, i.e. H. the bucket should be about a third wider than the root ball.
Repotting
Usually the roots will have completely penetrated the pot within two to three years and used up the existing soil. Now it's time to repot so that the roots can continue to absorb enough nutrients and moisture. The best time for this measure is spring, perhaps immediately after the first pruning. After repotting into pre-fertilized soil, do not fertilize again this season!
Watering and fertilizing
Boxwood in a pot should be watered heavily about once or twice a week, and more often in high heat and dry periods. Good drainage is mandatory so that excess irrigation water can flow away and waterlogging does not form. Never water on the leaves as this causes fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Box is also one of the more hungry plants and therefore needs a good supply of nutrients. Fertilize it regularly, if possible with a liquid fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon), between April and June. From July onwards, the nutrient supply is stopped so that the fresh shoots can harden for the winter.
Wintering
In principle, the boxwood is hardy, but as a potted plant it needs special protective measures. Otherwise, unsightly frost damage will occur. Place the pot on an insulating surface (e.g. made of wood or Styrofoam) and move it close to a warm house wall. Here it should be in the shade, as intense solar radiation can cause damage in winter. If necessary, cover the plant and pot loosely with a garden fleece.
Diseases
Unfortunately, the boxwood is quite susceptible to various diseases and pests such as shoot death, wilting, infestation by boxwood borers, plant lice, boxwood flea or spider mites. If the leaves turn brown or yellow, there is always a problem.
Tip
Boxwood loves lime, which is why you can easily water it with normal tap water.
