The dense and compact growth makes the evergreen box perfect for small and high hedges as well as for imaginative topiaries or as a ground cover. In order for the plants to actually achieve this growth and remain he althy, they need good care. This includes regular pruning, a balanced supply of water and nutrients as well as the supply of lime.
Why and how should you lime a boxwood?
A boxwood should be limed regularly to ensure a constant pH value between 7 and 8 in the soil and to promote the growth and he alth of the plant. The amount of lime required depends on the soil composition and current pH value. Lime can be applied in the form of granules or liquid fertilizer, ideally between September and October.
Why you should lime boxwood
Boxwood generally thrives in almost any garden soil, as long as it is well-drained, but needs a constant pH value between seven and eight. The evergreen plant prefers calcareous soil, which is why you can safely water it with calcareous tap water. If the pH value of the location is too low, there is a risk of diseases. To prevent this, you should lime the soil regularly to prevent the soil from gradually becoming acidic.
How much lime does a boxwood need?
Basically, no firm statements can be made about how much lime fertilizer you should give your boxwood. Dosage depends on several factors, including the brand of fertilizer used, soil composition, and actual pH. Ideally, before planned fertilization, measure the pH value of the soil with simple, commercially available measuring sticks (€2.00 on Amazon). These show immediately whether you actually need to use lime or not: If the value is between seven and eight, everything is fine. If it is below this, you should lime according to the package instructions. By the way, yellowish edges on the leaves of the boxwood are a sign that there may be a lime deficiency.
In what form should the lime be administered?
Lime ensures that the boxwood grows densely and takes on a beautiful green color. The form in which you administer the lime fertilizer is basically completely irrelevant. The decision is entirely up to you as to what works best for you. Some gardeners prefer granules, while others swear by a liquid lime fertilizer - the latter would reach the roots more quickly. By the way, fertilization takes place towards the end of the growing season between September and October.
Does lime help against the boxwood moth?
It has occasionally been reported that algal lime in particular can suppress an infestation of the box tree borer. In fact, the infestation pressure on bushes sprinkled with lime is not that high, but the use of the product is problematic for other reasons.
Tip
It is better not to fertilize your boxwood with coffee grounds or to mix them with lime for neutralization. Coffee causes the soil to acidify over time.
